Domestic violence: Ligue 1 referee Abdelatif Kherradji cleared by the FFF and authorized to resume
Sentenced to six months in prison in August, referee Abdelatif Kherradji saw his case dismissed by the FFF Disciplinary Council, which declared itself incompetent.
Quick Look
Ligue 1 referee Abdelatif Kherradji, convicted in August for domestic violence, will be able to return to service after the FFF Disciplinary Council closed his case, declaring itself incompetent.
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Why It Matters
Abdelatif Kherradji was sentenced in August to six months in prison for domestic violence against his former partner.
Sentenced in August to six months in prison for domestic violence, Abdelatif Kherradji, Ligue 1 referee, will still be able to return to service. Meeting on Thursday morning, the FFF Disciplinary Council closed the Ligue 1 referee's case without further action, considering that he was not competent to deal with the facts which had been transmitted to him.
The decision is based on the scope of the Federation's disciplinary power. According to information from the Team, the Disciplinary Council declared itself “incompetent”, considering that the acts alleged against Kherradji did not fall within those which could be sanctioned by the federal authorities with regard to the disciplinary regulations.
A case that put his career on hold
The affair began last spring. Kherradji's former partner accused him of several acts of violence during two episodes, in March and then in May 2026. During the second incident, she notably received three days of temporary incapacity for work.
Tried on August 7 by the Nîmes criminal court, the 40-year-old referee was finally sentenced a few days later to six months in prison. After appealing on May 15, the man was placed under judicial supervision.
The FFF National Ethics Commission then transmitted its file to the Disciplinary Council, leaving this body to determine whether the facts could also lead to a sporting sanction.
“He will find the field very well”
And the outcome of this story is now known: on the federal disciplinary level, no sanction will be imposed. Me Eric Borghini, who defends Kherradji with Me Bruno Rebstock, said he was satisfied with this decision, always with the Team. “We are happy for our client who will very quickly return to the field.”
Before being able to resume a match in Ligue 1, however, Kherradji will have to pass physical tests during the next gathering of elite referees, scheduled for early October. His lawyer also indicated that he was awaiting detailed reasoning for the Disciplinary Council's decision.
Kherradji's return to the field could therefore take place quickly, while the procedure continues after his appeal of the conviction.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Abdelatif Kherradji will take the physical tests at the beginning of October.
Very likely · Within days
Open Questions
- What are the detailed reasons for the Disciplinary Council's decision?
- What will be the outcome of Kherradji's appeal against his conviction?
