Montpellier Bought Goosen’s Cattle To Pay For “Lobola” Negotiations

Last week French newspaper Midi Olympique reported that the LNR's salary cap manager Samuel Gauthier had found evidence that Montpellier has failed to adhere to the cap which is set in the region of 11.3 million euros. 

Amid the latest allegations against Montpellier is ex Springbok Johan Goosen's retirement and move to Montpellier a few months later.

Goosen reportedly changed agents after advice from Willie Le Roux and linked up with the latter's agent, Eduard Kelder. Kelder then contacted, Gerrie Swart, who is established in Montpellier and is the agent of Bismarck Du Plessis, Jannie Du Plessis, Paul Willemse, Jacques Du Plessis, Henry Immelman, Jan Serfontein, and François Steyn. At the time, Kelder was suspended in France for three years because of "financial mismanagement".

Goosen changed agents and entrusted his interests with Swart. Today Midi Olympique's report, French broadcaster RMC Sport have released details of the transaction when Springbok utility back Johan Goosen left Racing 92 to retire and take up a role as a commercial director at an agricultural company in South Africa.  

According to RMC's a front was set up by Montpellier owner Mohed Altrad which made it possible for Montpellier to pay Goosen to sign with the club at a later date even though he was still under contract with Racing 92.

It is alleged that Goosen (Goens G10 Bonsmaras) sold cattle to a front company at heavily inflated prices which were paid via Switzerland and then Hong-Kong and. This helped Montpellier to "pay" Goosen a salary which was way more than the French salary cap.

“He was paid via two front companies, one in Switzerland and in Hong Kong, and this cattle company bought cattle from Goosen’s company at overvalued prices to allow him to recover the money. " - a source told RMC Sport.

Swart was recently also involved with the contracting of Handre Pollard at Montpellier and, apparently was involved with negotiations between Montpellier and Springbok rugby player of the year Peter-Steph du Toit. Du Toit set to transfer to Montpellier in 2021 after the tour of the British Lions.

Montpellier owner Mohed Altrad refused to comment on the information revealed by RMC Sport.