Abdelatif Kherradji avoids FFF sanction after conviction

Abdelatif Kherradji will not face disciplinary punishment from the French Football Federation after the federation’s disciplinary council closed its case against him. The decision allows the Ligue 1 referee to remain available for officiating despite his conviction in a domestic violence case.

Kherradji was sentenced at first instance by the Nîmes criminal court to six months in prison, suspended. He has appealed that judgment. The disciplinary process began after a referral from the national ethics commission, but the council concluded that it could not act because the conduct was unrelated to his football duties.

The FFF’s disciplinary rules cover people under its authority when alleged offences occur during football activities or have a connection with football, including in some cases outside sporting venues. The council therefore did not consider itself empowered to impose a sporting penalty simply on moral grounds.

Kherradji, 40, remains listed among the officials for the 2026-27 Ligue 1 season and is expected to continue refereeing. His return could come soon, with physical testing scheduled at the next Ligue 1 referees’ gathering in early October. He had already officiated in Ligue 1 in February 2026.