Biarritz Olympique flanker Mathieu Hirigoyen (C), after scoring a try during the French Top 14 rugby match between Montpellier Hérault Rugby and Biarritz Olympique Pays Basque, at GGL Stadium, Montpellier, southern France , March 26, 2022. SYLVAIN THOMAS / AFP
The French Rugby Federation (FFR) announced Wednesday, August 16 to block the licenses of Biarritz players following unpaid bills from the Basque club, which is to host Colomiers, Thursday evening, at the Aguilera stadium. This is the opening match of the 2023-2024 season of the 2nd division French rugby union championship (Pro D2).
Before any new season, “It is expected that all the clubs have settled their account (…). To date (Wednesday), the Biarritz Olympique Rugby association still remains indebted to the FFR.says in a communiqué the instance, which “hope for an immediate solution” so that the first day of the championship takes place ” Normally “.
According to information from France Bleu Pays basque, the FFR is claiming an amount of 110,000 euros from the Biarritz Olympique Rugby Association. “Faced with the disputes between the association and the SASP (professional sports limited company), the FFR had, exceptionally, granted the issuance of licenses last season in exchange for the acceptance of a repayment schedule”specifies the Federation.
“It will be done within the hour”
However, she adds, “this schedule was unfortunately not respected and no agreement was reached between the SASP and the association, leaving the latter in a debit situation”. Therefore, the press release adds, the federal office of the FFR has taken the decision not to issue licenses to Biarritz Olympique. “until the debt is fully paid off”.
“We are waiting for the invoice from the association to solve this problem. If she arrives, it will be done within the hour. As far as our part is concerned, we have 35,000 euros in licenses for the season which has just ended. For the rest, I don’t know what it is. I proposed to the FFR to pay the sum directly for the SASP, it does not want a direct flow “, explained to France Bleu the president of the biarrot club Baptiste Aldigé. The president of the association “says to take note and explains to be in contact since, with the FFR and the services of the association, in order to find a quick solution”, quote the media.
The Basque club, which recruited English center Jonathan Joseph, Welsh scrum-half Rhys Webb and right prop Mohamed Haouas, with big ambitions, finished last season in 11th place.
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2023-08-16 15:21:45
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