France 2023 Rugby World Cup chief executive sacked after workplace investigation
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The France 2023 Rugby World Cup chief executive Claude Atcher has been dismissed after an investigation into workplace malpractice.
Atcher, who also helped previously secure hosting rights for the 2007 edition, was suspended in August following allegations made over his management style in a L'Equipe article in June.
According to the report, Atcher's approach led to some employees suffering panic attacks.
An investigation by the French Labour Inspectorate has since concluded, with the decision made by the varying bodies behind the France 2023 bid to dismiss Atcher.
"Following this Board meeting, Mr Claude Atcher’s suspension was unanimously ratified by France 2023's founding members: the Fédération Française de Rugby (FFR), the French State, and the French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF)," read an official statement issued on Tuesday.
"Taking note of the report's conclusions, France 2023's Board of Directors has decided to terminate the contract of its CEO, Mr Claude Atcher."
Julien Collette, Atcher's former deputy general director, has been appointed as his replacement.
🇫🇷 Communiqué - Informations sur la gouvernance de France 2023.
— Rugby World Cup France 2023 (@France2023) October 11, 2022
🇬🇧 Statement - Information on the France 2023 Organising Committee's governance.
👉 https://t.co/l4ISNNbnRO#RWC2023
France will kick off next year's tournament on September 8 against New Zealand, with Les Bleus out to claim their first title after reaching the final on three previous occasions, most recently in 2011.
