The usually tranquil realm of pétanque—a French lawn game akin to bocce—is experiencing upheaval this week, as several of its renowned players face accusations of manipulating matches for a gambling syndicate’s advantage.
Notable players include Dylan Rocher, age 34, and Henri Lacroix, age 51, both multiple-world champions often referred to as the “Messi and Ronaldo” of pétanque. They are accused of intentionally losing a match against a lower-ranking team during the esteemed 2025 Masters de Pétanque event last September, held near Paris.
Prosecutors have implicated nine individuals connected to the sport’s elite, charging them with organized fraud, match-fixing, and money laundering. Each person faces a potential prison sentence of up to five years, along with a hefty fine of €500,000 if found guilty at the trial scheduled for next year. All accused have denied the allegations.
Questionable Bets
On Thursday, September 4, 2025, Rocher and Lacroix represented France 2 in a semi-final match against a local team, Levallois-Perret, which they were strongly favored to defeat.
The Masters de Pétanque stands out as one of the few events within the sport on which licensed French bookmakers can issue odds, making it susceptible to betting-related corruption.
Investigators were made aware of dubious betting trends prior to the match by a sports integrity organization collaborating with the French gambling authority, ANJ.
Prosecutors state that over €13,000 (approximately $15,000) had been wagered on a Levallois-Perret victory leading up to the match. The suspicious activity prompted the French National Police’s racing and gambling investigation unit to attend the game, which culminated in an unexpected Levallois-Perret win of 13-4.
It was later revealed that several individuals had bet on France 2’s loss, with the majority residing in Toulon, where many of those charged are based. Winnings from these bets amounted to around €61,000 (approximately $70,000), according to prosecutors; however, French operator Winamax declined to pay out on some of the bets.
Vulnerable Targets
While pétanque enjoys immense popularity in France, it does not operate as a professional sport, and the rewards are relatively modest. This makes underpaid athletes prime targets for match-fixing syndicates.
The sport’s governing body, the French Federation of Pétanque and Provençal Game (FFPJP), fears these allegations could severely damage public trust in a sport deeply ingrained in French culture, characterized by thousands of affiliated clubs and a vibrant amateur circuit.
If confirmed, FFPJP president Michel Le Bot stated in an interview with Le Parisien on Wednesday, “It would be a catastrophe for both the players involved and the Federation in terms of its reputation.”