The Laporte-Cruiser Affair. In case of conviction, could Al Trad Group remain France XV shirt sponsors?

Despite JDD revealing in August 2017 that it had an image contract with the Altrad Group, a few months later Bernard Laporte and his steering committee validated the choice of the construction company, which committed itself to five years and 35 million euros for the appearance. on a sweatshirt.

Laporte explained that the report of the Ethics and Professional Conduct Committee attests to the existence of similar positions in other disciplines and the absence of conflicts of interest. I want to use the image of the French national team to generate revenue for the amateur world. XV is French rugby’s premiere and main promotional tool. Today, I suppose I put a French industrial gem on the jersey to advance our sport. »

Few voices were raised against this process. But the issue of having the Al Trad kit on France’s shirt is likely to come up if the Montpellier businessman is found guilty of corruption. “This is not neutral. There is a real theme,” admitted one steering committee member.

Sensitive about ethical issues

Not only in France where this issue will be discussed. In August 2021, Al Trad Group won the bid to appear on the All Blacks and Blacks Ferns jersey. The contract signed with the New Zealand Federation (NZRU) is estimated at 73 million euros for a period of six years.

New Zealand opinion is generally sensitive about ethical issues. And during the trial, some media outlets did not fail to point out the potential moral conflict. “The contract will be examined with a magnifying glass if the fee is confirmed,” the Stuff website confirmed in October.