A “no”, now what?
A few hours after the refusal by more than 51% of amateur clubs to validate Bernard Laporte's proposal to install Patrick Buisson as delegate president of the French Rugby Federation, the federal office of the FFR will meet in the evening to try to give birth to a common position.
A meeting of this tight governance body, composed solely of supporters of the former coach of the XV of France, scheduled from 7:30 p.m., where several avenues must be discussed after this electoral setback.
One: should we offer another candidate to the nearly 1,500 French amateur clubs, plan planned at the base?
Confident before the ballot, the leaders of the FFR were struck to see their most consensual profile, the vice-president in charge of amateur rugby, challenged in a vote where the participation exceeded 90%.
The idea is risky, because few seem able to embark on a new ballot with little chance of winning.
Especially since the prospect will make the opposition scream, which is calling for new general elections, and the Minister of Sports Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, present at the steering committee Friday morning in Marcoussis, and who has already mentioned an “engaging democratic expression”.
The question of an appeal arises
Another track that could be considered: that of a resignation of Bernard Laporte, who accepted a withdrawal after his conviction at first instance in December for corruption.
This would provoke a new election, but only for the presidency in June.
Finally, all pro-Laporte elected officials could resign from the steering committee, which would lead to new general elections in February.
But according to information from Rugbyrama that we can confirm, the question of an appeal on the referendum held between Monday and Thursday arises in the Laporte clan.
A way to put pressure on a ballot where less than 200 votes separate yes from no.