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French Rugby World Cup 2023 Report Exposes Oversight Failures and Financial Losses

The Cour des comptes highlights systemic mismanagement by organizers, the FFR, and the State, resulting in millions in losses for France while World Rugby profited.

Vue générale sur une tribune du stade de France avant le match France - Nouvelle-Zélande lors de la Coupe du monde de rugby, le 11 septembre 2023
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Overview

  • The Cour des comptes report identifies significant organizational failures in the management of the Rugby World Cup 2023, blaming inadequate oversight by the French Rugby Federation (FFR) and the State.
  • Despite the tournament's popular and media success, the FFR suffered financial losses between €19.2 million and €28.9 million, while World Rugby recorded record profits.
  • The State's lack of early intervention and oversight, only addressed after a governance crisis in mid-2022 involving harassment allegations against Claude Atcher, contributed to the mismanagement.
  • The report criticizes excessive financial commitments made by the FFR during its bid to host the tournament, including a €196 million fee paid to World Rugby.
  • Recommendations include establishing clearer frameworks and independent oversight mechanisms for organizing future international sporting events, with implications for upcoming competitions like the 2030 Winter Olympics.