Local basketball referee Gordon Barbara (photo) was appointed international referee after he attended the course organised by FIBA in Bulgaria.

He has joined other local international referee, Bernard Vassallo. Malta now has two international referees.

His first appointment was in Portugal some two weeks ago. He was one of the international referees for the Under 20 men Division B European Championships.

Also, last week, he took part in the Promotion Cup for Under 16 men in Andorra. Vassallo was also one of the referees in the tournament.

The Malta Basketball Association has congratulated Barbara on his appointment.

In September both Barbara and Vassallo will referee games from the European Championship qualifying rounds.