French Sports Minister Suspends RWC Boss

2023 RWC Chief Executive Claude Atcher has suspended by French sports minister Amelie Oudea-Castera after a preliminary investigation into his management style revealed evidence of a “deep social malaise” within the organization. 

The ministry said the following in a statement: 

“Atcher will no longer be present or active, directly or indirectly, within, in the name of and on behalf of the GIP (organizing committee) during the period of his layoff.” 

It is a surprising development given that the World Cup kicks off in only a year’s time. However, preliminary findings of a Labour Inspectorate investigation at the end of June left the impression that Atcher’s management style was unacceptable. 

A report by the ethics committee had accused the 66-year-old of “alarming managerial practices altering the functioning of the structure and the suffering of a certain number of employees.” 

World Rugby issued the following statement, highlighting that it was “deeply concerned” by 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,” added World Rugby, who stressed its desire to work with the organizing committee “to deliver together an exceptional Rugby World Cup in France.” 

Atcher’s deputy, Julien Collette, will be installed as his provisional replacement at an emergency board meeting on Friday.