Paul Goze

The president of the Top 14 Paul Goze has revealed there will be harsher financial penalties handed out to those who violate the various rules and regulations of the league.

Goze, who presides over the Top 14’s organisational body Ligue National de Rugby, spoke to Midi Olympique about a variety of issues facing the French domestic game and confirmed there will be rule changes for the forthcoming season with defensive bonus points now awarded to those teams who are within five points of the victor rather than seven.

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Goze also said there will be harsher penalties for on and off-field indiscretions. If a player picks up three yellow cards during the season they will be suspended for a match while larger fines will be handed to those who overstep the mark.

For any incidents involving the matchday and sidelines players and coaches could face a fine of anything between €3,000 and €50,000.

If comments are made that are seem to harm the Top 14’s integrity then fines could range between €50,000 and €300,000. That fine will relate to the individual’s previous record.

“Those who make statements which adversely affect the interests of the rugby and the image of the Top 14 in particular will be punished,” Goze said. He then added the fine will be dependent on “who says it, when he says it, how many times he says it, and what is the nature and severity of his remarks.”

Goze also revealed negotiations are continuing regarding the French broadcasting rights for the European Rugby Champions Cup. He also slammed the French Competition Authority’s to suspend the LNR’s deal with Canal + on the grounds of a complaint from BeIN Sports concerning the tender process.

He said the Competition Authority’s decision “is unjustified, inappropriate and highly questionable on many points.”