Tuesday 28 June 2011

Savare Spares Stade Francais Relegation



Stade Francais will not be relegated from the Top 14, French rugby's financial watchdog ruled on Monday night.

The two-time Heineken Cup winners were facing demotion over mounting financial problems, but have been saved by Thomas Savare, the director general of technology company Oberthur.

The DNACG, which supervises administrative, legal and financial issues among France's rugby clubs, ruled at a meeting this evening Stade would retain their top-flight status.

Savare will become the club's new president, according to L'Equipe.

A statement on the Top 14 website read: 'The supreme council of the DNACG observed at the meeting on Monday, June 27, the terms of the reorganisation of Stade Francais Paris and the guarantees provided for the upcoming season through the contributions made by the new investors.

'In view of these, the supreme council believes there is no reason to prevent the club from participating in the Top 14, provided that that all legal procedures related to payments and commitments are achieved within a period of 48 hours.'

Savare, according to L'Equipe, will replace Max Guazzini, who will become honorary president.

'We struggled. This was born out of adversity but we are very happy,' Savare told reporters.

'We saved a great club. This is a private investment of passion because I am a supporter. We will continue the tradition. I told Max that I needed him to rebuild, to continue the work he has done.

'It was not possible for Stade Francais to disappear. This is a wonderful adventure.'


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