The "contentious attempt" by Top14 side Montpellier Owner Mohed Altrad to purchase a stake in Premiership side Gloucester is "set to be approved next month following months of talks on both sides of the Channel," according to Robert Kitson of the London GUARDIAN. Both clubs have been warned that "they will be banned from European tournaments indefinitely should any integrity issues arise in future." Altrad, a Syrian-born billionaire, had been "hoping to take a 45% controlling share of Gloucester, despite a Ligue National Rugby rule which only permits a 20% stake in another club." Gloucester is "keen on fresh investment," however, and Chair Martin St. Quinton, who holds 90% of the club's shares, has been in "long-term negotiations to offload a sizeable chunk." European Professional Club Rugby also "sought assurances there will be no conflict of interest" and Chair Simon Halliday reiterated both clubs "will be ejected from cross-border competitions if there are suspicions of unfair collusion." Halliday said, "I have guaranteed to both Montpellier and Gloucester that if there is any sleight of hand at any level they're out of the competitions, sine die in my view." The Rugby Football Union and Premiership Rugby both discussed the issue in recent days and Altrad "may yet have to settle for a reduced stake" (GUARDIAN, 3/30).
