1
LNR statement: Grenoble demoted, hit with a points deduction
By Liam Heagney
Grenoble have been relegated to Federale 1 just days after they lost 33-19 at home to Perpignan in the play-off to reach the 2023/24 Top 14 – they will also start next season with a six-point deduction.
The Alpine club were defeated 14-3 in the Pro D2 final by Oyonnax in Toulon on May 27, and they had their second chance at securing promotion dashed when losing to Perpignan, the 13th-place Top 14 team, at the Stade des Alps.
Those matches took place amid the backdrop of a Ligue Nationale de Rugby investigation into the financial management of Grenoble that culminated in a hearing on May 11.
The verdict has now emerged following those deliberations and the sanction – unless successfully appealed – will see Grenoble drop down into the third tier of French rugby.
A statement read: “Following the hearing on May 11 into Grenoble Rugby and after analysis of the documents and the arguments presented by the club, the disciplinary council of French rugby has announced the following sanctions:
- A withdrawal of four points from the standings and the revocation of the suspended two points following a regulatory decision by the French Rugby disciplinary council on December 1, 2022; for a total withdrawal of six points from the championship standings in the 2023/2024 season pursuant to article 3.1.2: ‘inconsistency and/or implausibility of the budget’;
- A demotion of the club for financial reasons to a lower division than that for which the club is sportingly qualified for the 2023/2024 season. Grenoble Rugby will have seven days to appeal the decisions."
Grenoble quickly published a statement, insisting they can provide all the necessary guarantees to enable them to play in Pro D2 next season and not in Federale 1. "Grenoble Rugby takes note of the decision of the French Rugby disciplinary council condemning it to an administrative demotion in Nationale 1 and a withdrawal of 4+2 points in the classification of the championship in which the club will play in during the 2023/2024 season.
"As you know, our club is experiencing financial difficulties. For a year, the FCG has been working to meet all the requirements of our professional club control bodies. New shareholders recently entered the capital of the SPP holding company, which holds the majority of the club with the desire to give it a new economic dynamic.
"Club leaders wish to reassure all partners, subscribers and supporters about the investment of its shareholders who will provide all the guarantees allowing our club to continue next season in ProD2.
"This is why we are appealing this decision, to prove our good faith and our desire to fulfill all the guarantees requested in order to ensure the FCG the future it deserves within French rugby."
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Why World Cup winner doesn’t blame All Black for leaving New Zealand
3
Tyrone Green decision has huge bearing on his international future
4
Five legends to be inducted into World Rugby Hall of Fame
5
Latest Comments
Agreed. As a Saffa I have much respect for the ABs. I also have to say given any option I would ONLY prefer to lose to ABs. To lose to England is probably the most embarrassing think to happen to either of us.
There was a time when both of us lost to England and we both hated it. Thankfully those days are behind us. Kudos to you guys, kudos to ABs. But dear old BS seems to hate us Boks. No idea why.
Go to commentsI got the sense that holding him to it was kickback from SB and the rfu smarting at being jilted quite so soon, so unexpectedly and so publicly.
Seem to remember that they spoke to Gustard before appointing Joe and you really have to think he would have come in at a higher level?
Go to comments