Alexandre Martinez has been general treasurer of the French Rugby Federation since 2016 ©FFR

Alexandre Martinez has been confirmed as Acting President of the embattled French Rugby Federation (FFR) after Bernard Laporte resigned following his corruption conviction.

The FFR’s Steering Committee elected Martinez unopposed with 23 votes in favour and two abstentions, according to reports in France.

Martinez will step up to lead the organisation after holding the role as general treasurer for the past seven years.

FFR Deputy President Patrick Buisson had been proposed by Laporte to take over on an interim basis but his suggestion was rejected by French clubs.

Martinez, installed as general treasurer following the election of Laporte as President in 2016, is the former head of Federale 1 club ASV Lavaur.

The 70-year-old is expected to be in charge of the FFR until the end of June when the governing body is due to stage a General Assembly.

Bernard Laporte's proposal for Patrick Buisson to take over on an interim basis was rejected ©FFR
Bernard Laporte's proposal for Patrick Buisson to take over on an interim basis was rejected ©FFR

"I would like to thank the members of the Management Committee for their trust," said Martinez.

"As interim President, I want to draw inspiration from my past as number 10, the notion of openness will be essential.

"I will manage day-to-day business with a clear objective to reduce the division and fracture that currently affects French rugby.

"It's time to come together, unite and support our XV of France with pride."

Martinez’s election comes on the eve of the Six Nations where France is set to launch their title defence with a match against Italy in Rome tomorrow.

France is due to stage the Rugby World Cup this year from September 8 to October 28, but the country's first hosting of the event since 2007 has been overshadowed by the controversy.

Alexandre Martinez is expected to remain as Acting President of the French Rugby Federation until the next General Assembly in June ©FFR
Alexandre Martinez is expected to remain as Acting President of the French Rugby Federation until the next General Assembly in June ©FFR

Laporte agreed to resign from his role as head of the FFR more than one month after being convicted of corruption charges.

He also "self-suspended" himself from his position as World Rugby vice-chair following the outcome of the case.

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

He was handed a two-year suspended prison sentence and fined €75,000 (£66,000/$81,600) in the case.

French Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra has also recently called for the resignation of the entire FFR Executive Committee in the wake of the corruption scandal.