Local international basketball referee Bernard Vassallo (in picture), received further important nominations by FIBA in the European sphere for this Summer following the Eurobasket 2013 qualifiers Vassallo controlled in June, namely Spain vs Germany and Portugal vs Israel. Vassallo also had a very positive 2011/12 club season consisting of eight international FIBA cup games, including seven FIBA EuroLeague matches.

The next games for Vassallo are another two full internationals, qualifiers for next year’s Men Eurobasket in Slovenia.

In fact next Thrusday Vassallo will control the Group E EuroBasket qualifier Switzerland vs Albania which will be played in the Saint Leonard Arena in Fribourg.

Switzerland are hoping for the inclusion of NBA star Thabo Sefolosha, who plays with Oklahoma City, in their attempt to qualify from this group which also includes Finland, Poland and Belgium.

The officiating crew for this match, apart from Vassallo, includes Paolo Taurino (Italy) and Vaclav Lukes (Czech Rep).

Nicosia will be the next destination for Vassallo as he was also nominated to control the 11th September Group C EuroBasket qualifier between Cyprus and Hungary.

Croatia, Ukraine and Austria make up the rest of Group C with Hungary aiming to qualify and banking on the inclusion of their main stars such as the young 217cm giant Greg Somogyi who is interesting the Los Angeles Lakers and Peter Lorant (Virtus Roma). On the other hand, Cyprus are going up the rankings led by their two naturalised players Anthiny King and Chris Razis who both play in the German Bundesliga.

The other referees for this qualifier, apart from Vassallo, are Daniel Hierrezuelo (Spain) and Christomos Schinas (Greece).