Laporte has denied allegations that he pressurised the FFR Appeals Committee into reducing a sanction against Top 14 club Montpellier last year. 

Montpellier is owned by Syrian-born scaffolding billionaire Mohed Altrad, with whom Laporte previously had a business relationship.

It is alleged that the Appeals Board faced pressure before they decided to cancel a one-game stadium ban for Montpellier and reduce a fine from €70,000 (£61,000/$86,000) to €20,000 (£17,500/$25,000) last June after banners were unfurled at their stadium criticising the head of the French National League, Paul Goze.

According to L'Equipe, a dozen French policemen conducted a search at the French training base of Marcoussis, where the French squad is currently preparing for the Six Nations.

It was ordered by the National Financial Office after they opened a preliminary investigation.

Other reports, including one by Reuters, have claimed that Laporte's home was also searched.

Laporte's company BL Communication had signed an image rights contract with Altrad Group last year, but later pulled out of the €150,000 (£131,000/$185,000) deal.