LNR statement: Grenoble demoted, hit with a points deduction

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.”