France Rugby World Cup boss get the boot

Article posted by Coliseum, October 18^th, 2022

Image: Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, TwoWings

The 2023 Rugby World Cup (France) Chief Executive Claude Atcher has been fired following an investigation into his workplace conduct.

‘yahoo!news’ stated that Atcher had already been suspended in August following an internal investigation at the request of France’s Minister of Sport and the Olympic and Paralympic Games Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, which showed “alarming managerial practices” and “the suffering of some employees”.

The 2023 Rugby World Cup is scheduled to be the 10^th Rugby World Cup, the quadrennial world championship for men’s rugby union teams. It is scheduled to take place in France from September 8^th to October 28^th, 2023 in nine venues across the country.

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The World Cup starts in 11 months in Paris.

‘yahoo!news’ further stated that a final decision regarding Atcher’s position was taken by the Organizing Committee’s Board of Directors during an extraordinary session held recently.

French labor authorities started their investigation after media reports surfaced in June that described a “climate of terror” at the Organizing Committee and alleged “improper management” by Atcher.

Tournament organizers said, “The report brought forward by the French Labor Inspectorate corroborates and complements the report produced by the France 2023 Ethics Committee, submitted at the end of August and reviewed on September 2^nd by the France 2023 Board of Directors.”

The Board of Directors appointed Julien Collette – Atcher’s former Deputy General Director – as a replacement. Martine Nemecek was named the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Organizers stated, “These appointments will ensure that the preparations for Rugby World Cup 2023 can continue in the highest level of professionalism and in a peaceful social climate.”

In a separate corruption case also involving the French Rugby Federation President, Bernard Laporte, prosecutors have requested a two-year sentence, including one year in jail, for Atcher. He has been accused of embezzling tens of thousands of euros from the Federation by using his close bond with Laporte. A verdict is expected on December 13^th, with Laporte also facing time in prison.

Marcoussis (France)-based the French Rugby Federation is the governing body for rugby union in France. It is responsible for the French national team and the Ligue nationale de rugby that administers the country’s professional leagues.

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