“In three years, no one will talk about her anymore, I know the story”: Bernard Laporte facing the words of Amélie Oudéa-Castera

Bernard Laporte a répondu à la ministre des Sports Amélie Oudéa-Castera. Midi Libre – SYLVIE CAMBON

Bernard Laporte responded to the comments of the Minister of Sports Amélie Oudéa-Castera on RMC this Sunday, January 7, during a "Face the readers" at Midi Libre this Wednesday, January 10.

A year ago, Bernard Laporte was invited to leave his place as president of the French Rugby Federation by Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, Minister of Sports, after his conviction in the ’affair & ldquo;Laporte-Altrad”.

"It is essential to have an influence at the heart of global and European sports bodies. I can recall that it was under the presidency of Bernard Laporte that the French presence declined […] Florian Grill (current president of the FFR) mobilized enormously to rebuild lots of links of confidence which had been damaged during these months of 2022, declared the minister on RMC, this Sunday, January 7.

The opportunity for Bernard Laporte to respond sharply. "When I hear the minister say that with me, we have gone downhill… Before I arrived, we were nothing. I became vice-president of the VI nations, of the international federation and overnight, we are nothing,” regrets the coach with three European Cups won with Toulon ( 2013, 2014, 2015).

"I won't vote for her, I'll tell you right away"

Today, Bernard Laporte is sports director of the MHR. Legally, nothing prevents this. "The first instance judgment does not prohibit him from holding the position of sports director. He likes rugby. He wants to try to help Montpellier today, said Oudéa-Castera.

Le Directeur du rugby du @MHR_officiel Bernard Laporte présent face aux lecteurs de @Midilibre ce mercredi, à lire dans le journal de demain et sur notre site pic.twitter.com/4gcVrBUkpQ

— Midi Libre Sports (@MidiLibreSports) January 10, 2024

Nevertheless, the latter wonders about the ethical side. "Was Montpellier the best choice? I'm not sure. To the extent that there are, in his links with Altrad, elements which were highlighted by the judge with facts of corruption in their relationship with both."

Faced with these statements, the former coach did not wish to argue. But wanted to express herself: "I was there before her (at the Ministry of Sports). In three years, no one will talk about her anymore, I know the story (laughs). They forget that they are passing through. Apparently she's ambitious. She would see herself as President of the Republic. I won't vote for her, I'll tell you that straight away (laughs)."