Prosecutor opens inquest into Stade Francais

PARIS — The Paris public prosecutor opened a preliminary investigation on Friday into the alleged fraud that has left leading French rugby club Stade Francais teetering on the brink of bankruptcy.The inquiry comes after club president Max Guazzini and administrator Bernard Laporte filed a complaint against the Canadian foundation FACEM.The pair claimed FACEM failed to deposit 12 millions euros ($17m) that had been promised as part of a deal that would have seen the federation take over as major shareholders of the club.Stade, who were runners-up in this year's European Challenge Cup, need to find 6.6 million euros before Monday if they are to retain their status in the Top 14, the French first division.The prosecutor opened an inquiry into "organised fraud, forgery and using forged documents".Three people taken into custody in connection with the case were handed over to the prosecutor on Friday morning.One person, of Cameroonian nationality, was arrested on Tuesday evening. A second, who is alleged to have posed as the contact with the Canadian federation, was arrested on Wednesday and the third on Thursday.Guazzini and Laporte -- a former Stade and France coach and ex-sports minister -- lodged their complaints when they discovered that the papers provided by FACEM were false.France's sports minister Chantal Jouanno on Thursday ruled out a state rescue package for the club but said the government would help as far as it could."The state cannot save Stade Francais," said Jouanno. "We met to see how we can try and help."You cannot imagine how swindling and economic difficulties can do such damage to this legendary club." Copyright © 2011 AFP. All rights reserved. More »

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