In a shocking turn of events, Rayan Herry, a 21-year-old referee, has announced his departure from the Kings League France, a seven-a-side football tournament launched by Gerard Piqué. Herry, who gained some notoriety under the pseudonym "RG28," made his announcement in a candid YouTube video where he detailed the challenges he faced during his brief tenure.
Having officiated just three matches since the league's inception at the Parc des Expositions de Villepinte on April 6, 2025, Herry cited a lack of adequate training, overwhelming pressure, and a meager salary of only 50 euros per match as key reasons for his exit. "I wasn’t really trained," he confessed in the video. "I don’t have the keys to master my subject." His remarks highlight the stark contrasts between the rules of the Kings League in Spain and those applied in France, which he found confusing and frustrating.
Herry's departure comes amidst a backdrop of controversy, particularly surrounding the integrity of officiating within the league. He claimed to have been threatened by a leader of the 360 Nation team, which boasts high-profile players like Jules Koundé, Mike Maignan, and Aurélien Tchouaméni. According to Herry, while in the VAR area, the team leader confronted him, stating, "I brought players from Real and Barça, I invested a lot of money, and you do this to us… I was really scared." This incident has raised serious concerns about the pressure referees face in a league that is still finding its footing.
During a particularly heated match between the Wolf Pack FC, managed by Adil Rami, and FC Slimi, Herry found himself in a physical altercation with an aggressive player. This incident led to a wave of online harassment, with Herry receiving threats and derogatory remarks, including being labeled a "TikTok referee." "I received hateful messages because I pushed a player away," he explained, reflecting on the toxic environment he faced.
Rami, who has been vocal about the issues surrounding officiating, suggested that some teams might be bribing referees to gain an advantage in the competition. In a tongue-in-cheek comment, he shared a dream he had about the Kings League, where team presidents and coaches colluded to influence referees and manipulate the game. "I woke up in a panic; it felt so real. But thankfully, it was just a dream," Rami quipped.
In response to these alarming developments, the Kings League France organizers have publicly acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations. They stated on May 8, 2025, that their "absolute priority" is to ensure respect for all participants in the competition. "Like any competition that is launching, we know that we can improve," they admitted. "We take this very seriously and are committed to enhancing the quality and consistency of officiating."
To address the ongoing concerns, the league has enlisted the help of Ali Djedid, an experienced referee from Ligue 2, who will be responsible for analyzing matches and providing ongoing training for referees. Furthermore, the league plans to appoint an experienced referee soon to supervise all officials in the Kings League France, focusing on evaluation, training, and support.
Despite these promises, Herry remains skeptical about the league's commitment to change. "There is no respect. It’s anything but entertainment. Everything we dislike about football is amplified tenfold in this competition, with no framework and no oversight," he lamented.
The Kings League France, inspired by its Spanish counterpart, aims to bring a new flavor to the sport, but it appears that significant challenges remain. As the league continues to develop, the focus will undoubtedly be on ensuring that officials like Herry are adequately supported and that the integrity of the game is maintained.
With tensions high and the league still in its infancy, the situation remains fluid. Fans and participants alike will be watching closely to see how the Kings League France addresses these critical issues moving forward. Will the league manage to restore confidence among its referees and participants, or will the shadow of controversy continue to loom over its inaugural season?
