French Ligue 1 referee Abdelatif Kherradji faces 18‑month conditional sentence for domestic violence

The public prosecutor in Nîmes has asked a criminal court to impose a conditional 18‑month prison term on 40‑year‑old Abdelatif Kherradji, a referee in France’s top football division, Ligue 1. The charges stem from two alleged incidents of domestic violence – one on 13 March in Caveirac and another on 13 May in Nîmes – and the trial is set to conclude with a verdict on 19 August.

Kherradji’s former partner testified that he "grabbed her by the neck, insulted her, pulled her hair for several metres and threw her to the ground." Kherradji denies any wrongdoing, claiming he acted only to avoid an attack from an aggressive partner. He described the proceedings as a nightmare that threatens his career.

The referee began officiating in Ligue 1 in 2001 but only reached the top tier in the last two seasons, overseeing 28 matches. The pending sentence could jeopardise his status in French football.