French police raid rugby federation president Bernard Laporte home

Police raided the headquarters of the French Rugby Federation (FFR) yesterday as part of an investigation into alleged conflict of interest involving the federation’s president Bernard Laporte, a source close to the matter said.

The police search was first reported by the L‘Equipe newspaper. The source confirmed the operation and said Laporte’s home had also been searched.

Laporte, a former France coach and sports minister, denies allegations he put pressure on the rugby federation’s appeals board to reduce sanctions against Top 14 side Montpellier.