French Top 14 sides Stade Toulousain and RC Toulon have received heavy fines, following reported sanctions from the specialised salary cap section, of the Disciplinary and Regulations Commission. The two clubs were issued with the fines on Boxing Day, regarding the transfer of Cheslin Kolbe in August 2021.
The South African winger left Toulouse in favour of a move to Toulon, and investigations concluded that the move took place following a contract buyout, and €1.8 million in compensation. The report from French rugby outlet Midi Olympique presented that Toulon have been issued a fine of €50,000 and Toulouse face their own €70,000 fine to pay off.
The two clubs have seven days to appeal to the fines, with Toulon’s sanction being for their “failure to comply with the general obligation of transparency and cooperation.”
RC Toulon President said: “We will once again demonstrate that this operation was carried out in perfect compliance with the regulations of the LNR and prior information from the salary cap manager.”
At the time, Kolbe reportedly wanted a significant salary increase at Toulouse, however the club were not willing to co-operate with the request. This peaked the interest of Toulon, who compensated Toulouse the (1.8 million euros) to afford the Springbok.
Midi Olympique first reported the ongoings back in October. “1.2 million as compensation and 600,000 euros transmitted to Stade Toulouse so that the club can return this sum to Kolbe, to finalise his severance pay.”