Laporte was convicted of corruption charges on Tuesday (December 13) and given a two-year suspended prison sentence, but continues to protest his innocence and has vowed to appeal.

The charges relate to Laporte's relationship with Mohed Altrad, the billionaire owner of Top 14 champions Montpellier whose eponymous company became the first-ever sponsor to appear on the French national team's jerseys in 2017.

Laporte has "self-suspended" himself as vice-chair of World Rugby, although the organisation has announced its ethics officer is investigating Laporte.

However, Laporte has defied calls to step aside as FFR leader and yesterday told the Journal du Dimanche he "does not see" a reason to resign.

"They have the right to say what they want," Laporte said of those calling for his resignation, but insisted it would not be forthcoming.

Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra and the National Rugby League, which represents France's professional clubs, are among the chorus calling for Laporte to go.

A Paris court ruled that Laporte could not hold any position in the sport for two years when finding him guilty of illegal taking of interest, influence peddling, passive corruption and embezzlement.

However, because Laporte is appealing, this is not immediately enforceable.

Laporte was also fined €75,000 (£64,300/$79,800).

Altrad was found guilty of active corruption, influence peddling and abuse of corporate assets, and handed an 18-month suspended prison sentence.

The crisis comes with France due to host the Rugby World Cup in fewer than nine months.

In October, Claude Atcher was sacked as chief executive of the Organising Committee having been accused of "management by terror".