RUGBY – The previous two seasons were already worrying. The current one will not depart from the rule. According to The team, the FFR will present a deficit of 7.7 million euros for the current season.
The crisis of COVID-19 It’s no secret that sport and its institutions are hitting hard. And it’s not there French Rugby Federation who will say otherwise. This Monday, The team teaches us that the deficit of the FFR has grown tremendously during this season. Thus, after the 8.3 million euros in losses over the last two years, this time it is 7.7 million euros in a single season which is announced by our colleagues. Worried? Yes.
The France – Ireland match as an explanation
Before the pandemic of coronavirus, the management of the Fed had hoped to see the accounts balance. Patatra. Always according to The team, this deficit would be explained, by the direction of the FFR, by the postponement of the France – Ireland match, the Blues’ last meeting for the 6 Nations 2020 originally scheduled for March 14. According to the Fed, “such a poster would lead to a profit of around 8.3 million euros. Only the best posters of the XV of France, at the Stade de France, would allow the institution of ovalism to pocket, at best, 6 million euros in profit.
And the rest is not more encouraging, far from it. The 2020-2021 season could be even more dramatic. The team details the future losses if the next fall tour is canceled. Initially, the Federation should reimburse around 5 million euros in ticket sales for the France – Ireland match, probably postponed until the end of October. Add to that the million euros to be paid for the rental of the Stade de France. Before we even talk about the fall tour, the cancellation of the last game of the 6 Nations would put the FFR in a very delicate situation.
The uncertainty of the fall tour
The matches of November, precisely, could plunge the French Rugby Federation in chaos. Receptions at the Stade de FranceAustralia (November 14) and South African world champions (November 21) should be a boon for Bernard Laporte and his team. But in the event of cancellation, the shortfall would be very significant. Three million euros in ticket sales per test, plus an additional 3 million euros in TV rights, again, for each match. Not to mention the € 2 million rental of the Saint-Denis compound.
Finally, the cancellation of the Blues meeting in front of the Georgia in Saint-Etienne (November 7) would add to the cost. One million euros for television rights, and the same amount for ticketing. A total of 16 million euros would go up in smoke if the November match tests were removed. Alarming.
Do not forget either that some partners of the French Rugby Federation are already negotiating to reduce their sponsorship budget. In short, the future is very uncertain for the institution of tricolor rugby. If the XV of France did not tread the lawns before the 6 Nations Tournament 2021, the situation very worrying, even catastrophic.
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