Claude Atcher, the CEO of Rugby World Cup 2023, has been suspended by the French sports ministry, Amélie Oudéa-Castera, after sports newspaper L’Equipe reported in June of “alarming managerial practices” and “infringements of financial probity” within the event’s organizing committee. The minister added that Atcher would face a disciplinary procedure that could end with his dismissal. A report by France’s labor inspectorate has been ordered to determine whether managerial practices amounted to a criminal offense. Atcher’s deputy, Julien Collette, will take over in the interim. According to the newspaper’s report, employees of the public interest group (GIP) France 2023 suffered panic attacks and burn-out amid humiliating verbal abuse by Atcher. The 66-year-old executive also allegedly spent tens of thousands of euros ordering minicabs for his personal use. Atcher has denied all the charges. The 2023 Rugby World Cup begins on Sep. 8 at Paris’ Stade de France.

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