Financial prosecutors have searched the headquarters of the French organizers of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
According to the organizers, the search was part of a government investigation into the management of the organizing committee.
The National Finance Prosecutor’s Office (PNF) announced last month that it had launched a preliminary investigation.
According to PNF, the investigation is examining charges of “favoritism, influence peddling, and corruption.”
It stated, “This follows a combined report by the Inspectorate General of Finance and the Inspectorate General of Education, Sport, and Research.”
PNF stated that a search was “underway at multiple locations,” including the Paris headquarters of the event’s organizers.
The French publication L’Equipe reported that authorities were examining tournament spending, contracts, and the ticketing system.
Former France 2023 CEO Claude Atcher was fired last month after an internal probe revealed “alarming managerial practices” in the face of claims of bullying and harassment from France 2023 employees.
Julien Collette, Atcher’s deputy, succeeded him as chief executive.
France is slated to host the 2023 men’s Rugby World Cup from 8 September to 28 October at nine venues across the country.
France was awarded the right to host the 2017 event after defeating South Africa and Ireland.
An independent assessment had recommended that South Africa host the event, therefore their victory was predicted.
