2023 Rugby World Cup CEO fired less than a year to global showpiece

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the 2023 France Rugby World Cup Mr. Claude Atcher has had his contract terminated following a decision made by the France 2023 Organizing Committee due to "alarming managerial practices".

A preliminary investigation into Atcher's management style found evidence of a "deep social malaise" within the organization.

Kenya Lionesses set for 2022 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup

Atcher's suspension was ratified by the French Rugby Federation, French Olympic officials and the French government following a meeting of the 2023 tournament organizing committee's board of directors on Monday.

“The France 2023 Organising Committee’s Board of Directors met in an extraordinary session on Monday 10 October. Its president Mr Jacques Rivoal shared with the Board the conclusions from the French Labour Inspectorate investigation, which was launched after an article published on 22 June 2022 mentioned the social climate within the Organizing Committee and the management of its CEO, Mr Claude Atcher.

The report brought forward by the French Labour Inspectorate corroborates and complement the report produced by the France 2023 Ethics Committee, submitted at the end of August and reviewed on 2 September by the France 2023 Board of Directors.

Following this Board meeting, Mr Claude Atcher’s suspension was unanimously ratified by France 2023’s founding members: the Fédération Française de Rugby (FFR), the French State, and the French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF).

Taking note of the report’s conclusions, France 2023’s Board of Directors has decided to terminate the contract of its CEO, Mr Claude Atcher,” read a statement from from the Organizing Committee.

Atcher's suspension was prompted by the preliminary findings of a Labour Inspectorate investigation which was launched at the end of June after an article in sports daily L'Equipe accused him of "management by terror".

A report by the ethics committee had accused the 66-year-old of "alarming managerial practices altering the functioning of the structure and the suffering of a certain number of employees".

Kipchoge reveals 1:59 Challenge as best moment of career, opens up on secret to longevity

Several former and current employees, who talked on condition of anonymity, spoke out about the "management by terror" set up by Atcher and his chief of staff within the organization.

Going forward, Atcher's deputy Julien Collette will take over as CEO with and Mrs Martine Nemecek named Deputy CEO.

Gor Mahia boss Ambrose Rachier unbothered with death rumours

The Rugby World Cup kicks off on September 8 next year with hosts France playing New Zealand at the Stade de France which will also be the venue for the final on October 28.