It was a significant occasion for the Maltese international referee, Bernard Vassallo, to be chosen to officiate in such a high level European tournament, where the best 16 nations were competing.

In all, Bernard Vassallo was involved in six matches, four of them as referee, and another two as a stand by, the fourth official. These games were played in two phases.

The first phase was composed of four groups, with the games being played in three consecutive days. Vassallo’s schedule included the matches played in the town of Katowice.

Saturday, 18 June Group D France v Croatia 86-40 ‘Stand by’

Sunday, 19 June Group D Croatia v Greece 65-63 Referee

Monday, 20 June Group C Germany v Montenegro 64- Referee

Here, the number of referees, originally 28, was reduced by eight.

In the second phase there were two groups, with play going on to the quarter final stage. Vassallo stayed in Katowice, with these appointments.

Wednesday, 22June, Group F Croatia v Montenegro 60- ‘Standby’

Friday, 24 June, Group F Spain v Latvia 66- Referee

Sunday, 26 June, Group F Latvia v Montenegro 70-74 Referee

The number of referees, this time including Vassallo, was further reduced by eight, leaving the best 12 to continue till the final.

This was a unique experience for a Maltese referee, and Bernard Vassallo’s appointments did not stop here. He was nominated once more, to control matches, in the Women’s European U/20 championships. The competition will start in Serbia, on Thursday, 7 July.