Dylan Bettencourt
Claude Atcher, 2023 Rugby World Cup chief executive, was suspended by French sports minister Amelie Oudea-Castera on Monday.
An investigation found that his style of management showed evidence of a “deep social malaise” within the organisation.
“Atcher will no longer be present or active, directly or indirectly, within, in the name of and on behalf of the GIP (organising committee) during the period of layoff,” the ministry said in a statement.
A decision whether to allow Atcher back into the committee will be decided at a later date.
The suspension comes a year before the Rugby World Cup is scheduled to kick off in Paris.
An investigation into Atcher was launched after findings of a Labour Inspectorate investigation in June, following an article published in L’Equipe, accused the chief executive of “management by terror”.
An ethics committee report accused the 66-year-old of “alarming managerial practices, altering the functioning of the structure and the suffering of a number of employees”.
World Rugby released a statement confirming its “deep concern” regarding the allegations.
“The well-being of the rugby family is paramount and central to the values of unity, inclusion and togetherness that embody the World Cup,” it said in a statement.
They added that they are committed to working with the organising committee to deliver together an exceptional Rugby World Cup in France.
Atcher’s deputy Julien Collete has been promoted into his position as an emergency replacement.
The 2023 Rugby World Cup kicks off on 8 September 2023 with hosts France taking on New Zealand.
Image source: @FranceRugby
