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Laporte assures 'impartiality' over shirt sponsor

Marcoussis - French rugby supremo Bernard Laporte vowed to "guarantee impartiality" after the rubber-stamping of a sponsorship deal between the federation and one of his former business partners.

The French Rugby Federation (FFR) announced a shirt sponsorship deal on Monday worth "at least 35 million euros" with the Altrad Group owned by Montpellier benefactor Mohed Altrad.

Laporte was accused of favouritism in August after it was revealed that a company he owns had signed an image rights contract with the Altrad Group.

That came about just two months after the FFR's appeals committee had reduced a sanction against Montpellier following a phone call from Laporte to the committee's chairman Jean-Daniel Simonet.

Laporte eventually pulled out of the 150,000 euros deal but he was investigated by the French Sports Ministry before the case was passed to the public prosecutor.

But Laporte said the FFR's ethics and deontology committee had found that the new deal with Altrad would not create a "conflict of interests".

"I want to use the France team's image to generate revenue for the amateur world," said Laporte.

"Today, I take responsibility for putting a flagship of French industry on the shirt to develop our sport."

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