Montferrand Fined For Breach of ERC Commercial Rules
AS Montferrand were fined Euros 50,000, Euros 20,000 payable within 30 days and Euros 30,000 suspended until the conclusion of any ERC tournament up to the end of the ending 2003/2004 season.
An independent ERC Disciplinary Panel, chaired by Douglas Hunter (Scotland), met in Dublin today (14 November, 2002) to consider a charge of misconduct
against AS Montferrand. This charge was put forward by the ERC Disciplinary Officer, Roger O’Connor, following alleged breaches of the Commercial
Regulations as contained in the Heineken Cup Participation Agreement signed by all clubs prior to the tournament.
The breaches of the Commercial Regulations (2.6.2 relating to the provision of a clean venue; 3.1.3 relating to on-pitch branding; 12.1 relating to an obligation to notify the ERC chief executive) were uncovered during AS Montferrand’s Pool 4 First Round Heineken Cup clash with Swansea at Parc des
Sports Marcel Michelin on 12 October.
Mr Hunter’s panel, which comprised Robert Horner (RFU) and Achille Reali (Italy), found AS Montferrand to be in breach of all three charges for having centre pitch and in-goal branding.
Commenting on the verdict Mr Hunter said:
“The panel regarded this case as an administrative offence which should not, therefore, have any immediate
impact on the players by deducting points. However, it was recognised that it is of critical importance to the company, the tournament and especially for present and future sponsors that the commercial regulations are properly
adhered to. Ultimately, this is for the benefit of the clubs.”
AS Montferrand were fined Euros 50,000, Euros 20,000 payable within 30 days and Euros 30,000 suspended until the conclusion of any ERC tournament up to the end of the ending 2003/2004 season.
Costs were awarded against AS Montferrand. The club has the right to appeal.