French Ligue 2 games were manipulated, finds report

Ligue2

March 10 – A report into a swathe of alleged rigged Ligue 2 games in France last season has concluded that one match was subject to “an understanding” between the two clubs concerned.

The report – drawn up by the former head of Paris’ judicial police – is the result of an inquiry into whether seven French second-tier matches last season involving Nimes, who were battling against relegation, were fixed.

While the report uncovered details that suggested attempts to arrange results had failed in some of the six other matches, it claimed the result of the 1-1 draw between Caen and Nimes – a scoreline which ensured the former’s promotion to Ligue 1 and the latter’s survival – had been manipulated.

It was also found that four crates of wine, each including six bottles worth a total of €45, had been purchased by Nimes and given to Caen shortly after the game had finished. At no stage was an exchange of money involved, the report states.

The report also highlights a phone call between then Nimes president Jean-Marc Conrad, who quit last November, and his Caen counterpart Jean-Francois Fortin, in which Conrad reminds Fortin several times that a draw is enough for both teams, and adds “a present” will be given to the Normandy club.

Fortin insists he is not guilty of any wrongdoing and the French Football League’s Disciplinary Commission will now sit on March 16 and 17 before deciding whether or not to impose sanctions.

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