Rugby World Cup 2023 VIP Ticket Scandal: Millions Allegedly Embezzled in Organized Scam

Paris, France – The glitz and glamour of the 2023 Rugby World Cup have been overshadowed by a serious judicial investigation into alleged “organized gang scams” targeting the lucrative VIP and hospitality ticket market. French authorities have launched a probe into companies that managed premium seating for the global tournament, with initial reports suggesting a staggering loss of approximately $27 million (excluding tax).

The investigation, officially opened on Thursday, November 6, 2025, centers on the online hospitality ticket platform Daimani and its associated entities, including Daimani Holding AG, Daimani France, and Daimani AG. Key figures named in the probe are Andreas Truttenbach, max Müller, and Pascal Portes, who are reportedly linked to the management of these companies.

This development follows a complaint filed in September by the organizing committee for the 2023 Rugby World Cup (GIP France) and the economic interest group (EIG) associated with the French Rugby federation. While details of the complaint where not immediately confirmed by all parties,the allegations point to a elegant scheme designed to defraud stakeholders.

The Rise and Fall of DaimaniS Role

According to reports, the decision to engage Daimani France for managing the World Cup’s hospitality sales was reportedly made by Claude Atcher, the former general director of the World Cup. Atcher, who was dismissed in 2022 amid accusations of “management by terror,” is a controversial figure whose decisions are now under intense scrutiny.

Daimani, a company specializing in premium event experiences, was tasked with selling these high-value packages. Though, the platform reportedly declared bankruptcy shortly after the conclusion of the Rugby World Cup. This abrupt collapse followed a failure to meet several contractual payment deadlines, leaving over $11 million in owed payments outstanding.

The situation raises critical questions about due diligence and oversight in the management of major sporting event revenues. For sports enthusiasts and business professionals alike, this scandal highlights the vulnerabilities within the high-stakes world of premium event ticketing. Its a stark reminder that even on the grandest stages, financial integrity must be paramount.

Lessons for the Future of Sports business

This unfolding investigation serves as a cautionary tale for future major sporting events. The sheer scale of the alleged losses underscores the need for robust financial controls and transparent vendor selection processes. In the U.S. sports landscape, where premium seating and hospitality packages are a significant revenue stream for leagues like the NFL, NBA, and MLB, such incidents could have far-reaching implications.

Consider the analogy of a championship game where a key player is found to be ineligible; the integrity of the entire competition is called into question. Similarly, when the financial backbone of an event like the Rugby World Cup is compromised, it erodes trust among fans, sponsors, and governing bodies.

Potential areas for Further Investigation:

• the exact timeline and communication between Daimani and the organizing committee leading up to the bankruptcy.
• The extent of Claude Atcher’s direct involvement in the selection and management of daimani.
• Whether any other entities or individuals within the organizing committee were aware of or complicit in the alleged fraudulent activities.
• The recovery prospects for creditors and the organizing committee.

As the judicial investigation progresses, the sports world