Bernard Laporte: “If I have a grudge, it’s against dishonest people, they won’t take it to heaven”

Bernard Laporte was sentenced on December 13, 2022 to two years in prison for corruption in favor of Mohed Altrad, businessman and president of Montpellier. Forced to resign for these legal reasons, he was unable to attend the World Cup in France, to which he had contributed. He spoke to our colleagues from Free Midday.

Not invited by the federation during the France – New Zealand opening match, Bernard Laporte estimated: “It lacked elegance, class, respect, but that doesn’t matter. What I wanted was for this event to be grandiose. So I definitely don’t want to cause controversy.” The former coach and president of the federation was also delighted with the welcome given to him by the supporters at the Vélodrome stadium. “I want us to talk about the French XV, the World Cup, France, that’s the most important thing.”

He concedes a feeling of injustice at not having been invited but no frustration about his status as “mere spectator”. “If I have a grudge, it’s against dishonest people, not against a system, that’s clear. But you know, they won’t take it to heaven”he says, denying any allusion to his successor as president of the FFR Florian Grill.

On his return to business and the appeal of his conviction

This legal episode has not cooled him, since he assures that he could be tempted by a return to rugby. “There’s a chance I’ll come backhe replies. It’s not that I’m itchy but I’m like everyone else, I like to be desired. If I like a challenge and I am called for an exciting challenge, I will say banco. I still want to win.”

Also, since he appealed his conviction, the former coach of the XV of France expressed what he expected from this legal action: “Show that we didn’t do anything. I’m confident, I know what happened. Everyone makes mistakes, but in this context, no. I didn’t do anything dishonest . If I had taken money from the Federation, it would have been dishonest. But that is not the case, the “Fed” has not suffered any inconvenience. I am straight in my boots. We are all sanctioned both (Altrad and him) but I notice that the Federation did not hesitate to re-sign with the sponsor Altrad, it’s funny, right? It more than validates my innocence.”