Stade Toulousain Fined 2.88 Million Euros for Salary Cap Violations

Stade Toulousain, the reigning four-time French Top 14 champions, has been handed a substantial fine of 2.88 million euros for multiple salary cap violations and a lack of transparency with the league. The disciplinary committee's decision comes just six days after the club secured its latest title.

The fine is divided into two parts: 1.83 million euros for exceeding the salary cap over three seasons (2021-2022, 2022-2023, and 2024-2025) and 1 million euros for failing to meet general obligations of transparency and cooperation between 2021 and 2025. This is not the first time the club has faced sanctions for salary cap infringements.

During a hearing in late May, Toulouse had to account for alleged breaches, including an image rights contract for player Anthony Jelonch with a company that also partners with the club, which should have been declared to the league. Another issue involved champion bonuses paid to players, which, if exceeding 500,000 euros, must be included in salary cap calculations and reported to the league.

While the club had braced for a potential fine of up to 5 million euros, the imposed penalty is lower. However, Toulouse intends to appeal the LNR's decision and pursue all available legal avenues. The sanctions do not include any sporting penalties, and the fine, while significant, does not set a new record, remaining below the 3 million euros Montpellier was fined in 2020 for similar offenses.