French deep in the red

NEWS: The French rugby union federation (FFR) on Saturday approved a budget for the 2020/21 season showing a €5.6-million (US$6.3-million) deficit as it scrambles to aid clubs hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

The budget, approved by 77.2 percent of those voting at a virtual general assembly, forecasts €120.7-million of revenues against €126.4-million in outgoings, including €21- of the €35-million destined for the rugby aid package announced by FFR president Bernard Laporte.

The remaining amount of the package would come out of the 2019/20 budget.

The 2019/20 rugby union season in France was halted in March and declared over in June because of the COVID-19 outbreak.