The beginnings of the seasons follow one another and look alike for Biarritz Olympique. A few hours before the opening of the Pro D2 championship, with the reception of Colomiers in Aguiléra, the BOPB finds itself without a license. Indeed, the French Rugby Federation (FFR) has just sent a letter to the professional and amateur structures, for unpaid over the previous two seasons, at least. An amount of 110,000 euros is claimed by the FFR from the Biarritz Olympique Rugby association, which holds the common account affiliated with the Fédé. An amateur section which saw the departure of its leaders – led by David Couzinet – last Friday, after almost two years at the head of the amateur.
“History repeats itself, we have the experience, expresses the president of the pro club Jean-Baptiste Aldigé. The SASP is not a bad payer, as has been said here and there. Today our accounts are up to date. 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.
A precedent in 2022
For his part, Jean-Christophe Alnot, the new president of the amateur co-opted by the former management team, says take note and explain to be in contact since, with the FFR and the services of the associationin order to find a quick solution. “Until the debt is fully settled, the FFR will not issue licenses for the 23/24 season. This decision aims to maintain our principle of equity between clubs. The FFR hopes for an immediate resolution of this situation so that the first day of Pro D2 can take place normally”justifies the Fed in a press release published this afternoon.
Last year the soundtrack found itself in a similar situation, one week before the start of the season. The amateur section of the soundtrack claimed €316,000 in arrears and refused to pay the licenses of professional players to the FFR until this debt was settled. Finally, the FFR had released the licenses “on an exceptional basis”, she reported by establishing a schedule for payment. Deadline which, according to several sources, has only been settled at a quarter for now.
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