Boudjellal fires ERC 'fix' accusation

[TRF_Cymro]

Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal has controversially suggested that ERC rigged Sunday's Heineken Cup semi-final draw in order to boost Leinster's hopes in the tournament.

Four French sides, Toulon, Toulouse, Biarritz and Perpignan, made the quarter-finals following last weekend's final round of Pool action but all will face an away tie should they progress to the semi-finals.

Should Boudjellal's side emerge victorious from an away quarter-final against Perpignan in April they will then travel to face the winners of Northampton's clash with Ulster, while the winners of Leinster's last eight tie against two-time champions Leicester will host either Biarritz or Toulouse.

The Irish Examiner reports that a lack of French television coverage for the draw, broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK, spawned rumours that the ties had been finalised behind closed doors, leading Boudjellal to pen a letter to the tournament organisers.

"By chance, the province of Leinster will not only be home for their quarter final, which they won sportingly, but for the semi-final too," he said.

"Is it a coincidence ERC headquarters are to be found in Dublin? On behalf of Toulon and all the other French clubs we are prepared to shine a light as to why the draw was conducted in secret. That's why we did what we did [sending the letter]. We're ready to do everything necessary."

An ERC spokesperson confirmed to the newspaper that clubs had been informed of the broadcast details for the draw, which was also streamed on the tournament website.

"[French TV programme] Stade 2 was then to transmit a delayed broadcast of the draw as was the case," ERC said. "Last year the draw of the semi-finals appeared on Stade 2 as the final was in Paris."

http://www.espnscrum.com/heineken-cup-2010-11/rugby/story/133069.html​

 

[gingergenius]

Leinster still have to beat one of the tournament's most successful sides, followed by one of last year's finalists. If it's Toulouse, then they'll be playing the most successful HC side. Not exactly an easy route through to the final.

 

[munstermuffin]

What a clown. I suppose it was fixed last year too when BOTH semi finals were on in France. Just because he can't throw money at this problem.
Facts are Leinster have to beat Tigers and that all they'll be thinking. And they got the luck of the draw and fair play to them. At this stage I'm sure ERC couldn't care less where semis are on because they will tend to sell out.
As for ERC's offices in Dublin. While moneybags was pawning his money in Algeria long before he bought Toulon the offices were set up in Dublin as it represented the best location on various areas.

 

[Teh Mite]

Ah well, the ECB (and IRB, Lions etc. for that matter) won't be in Dublin once the corporation tax raises at the same rate of Celtic Tiger pelts. Then his argument will be ******.

 

[munstermuffin]

Ah Bullitt brush up on politics here - The Corporation Tax won't be moved it the 1 area everyone actually agrees

 

[Teh Mite]

We'll see. Politicians say a lot of things.

 

[TRF_Cymro]

Seems like the French are finally taking this thing seriously now!