Toulouse have salary cap fine reduced on appeal / Photo: © AFP/File
NYSE - LSE
Toulouse have salary cap fine reduced on appeal
The French Rugby Federation (FFR) announced on Thursday Toulouse's fine for breaching the Top 14 salary cap had been reduced in a scandal that has played a part in the departure of full-back Thomas Ramos.
In July, the record 25-time French champions were handed a 2.88 million euros (3.3 million dollars) penalty before it was decreased to 2.725 million euros following an appeal, for breaches in 2021-2022, 2022-2023 and 2024-2025.
They were also penalised for a lack of transparency and co-operation according to the Top 14's governing body, the National Rugby League (LNR).
According to the FFR, the misdemeanour in 2024-2025 was no longer considered to be in violation of the salary cap, set at 10.7 million euros for the coming season.
In recent years, Toulouse have also faced disciplinary action for the transfer of South Africa winger Cheslin Kolbe to Toulon and France full-back Melvyn Jaminet's move from Perpignan.
Earlier this month, the six-time Champions Cup winners announced sure-fire goal-kicker Ramos' shock departure at the end of the campaign, with wage restrictions somewhat behind the move to Racing 92.
This week, specialist newspaper Midi Olympique claimed Ramos' fellow France international Francois Cros was also leaving the current Top 14 champions, to join Lyon.
Toulouse and their superstar scrum-half Antoine Dupont start the defence of their title on September 6 against La Rochelle.
T.Schmid--BP
