France Rugby (FFR) president Bernard Laporte has reportedly been questioned by investigators over his links with billionaire Montpellier owner Mohed Altrad.

According to a report by AFP Sport, Laporte is currently under investigation as part of a corruption probe opened by the French Financial Prosecution Office following a report by the sports ministry.

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The report states that Laporte, who also serves as World Rugby vice-chairman, is suspected of pressuring an appeals committee to reduce a disciplinary punishment against Montpellier.

There are claims that a fine for Altrad’s Montpellier side was reduced from €70,000 to €20,000 after Laporte intervened.

Laporte has also been accused of favouritism as it has emerged that one of the companies he owns signed an image rights contract with the Altrad Group in 2017.

Altrad and Claude Atcher, chief organiser for the France-based 2023 World Cup, have both been questioned.

Laporte, who coached France, Stade Francais and Toulon, is standing for reelection as FFR president, with the results expected on 3 October.

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