We did not expect the results of this crucial consultation so soon, but they were communicated at midday, this Thursday, by the French Rugby Federation (FFR).
According to the figures announced, 51.06% of voters answered "no" to the following question: "Do you approve of Mr. Bernard Laporte's proposal to appoint Mr. Patrick Buisson as Deputy Chairman of the FFR?"
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48.94% voted yes, and the turnout was 90.46% among the approximately 1,900 clubs called upon to vote for 72 hours, from Monday until Thursday noon.
And now ?
It is a huge snub for Bernard Laporte, who sees his proposal to replace him rejected until he knows the result of the appeal of his two-year suspended prison sentence, pronounced in December.
Now, the still president of the FFR can propose another name from his list and organize a similar consultation.
This is what he had promised to do in a letter dating from the end of December.
But that would only prolong the crisis in which the FFR is plunged.
The other option is to drop the case with his relatives, and announce the holding of new federal elections.
All this will be discussed on Friday morning, in Marcoussis, during an exceptional steering committee.
Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castera will be present to attend the debates and, one can imagine after the result of the vote, put pressure on the organization of a general election.
The Federation's short-term future is at stake here, with France hosting the World Cup in less than eight months.
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Amelie Oudea-Castera