Mehdi Difallah (born 15 June 1984) is a French professional basketball referee,.[1] who began officiating in France’s top domestic league, the LNB Pro A, in 2011[2] and was promoted to the FIBA international referees list in 2014.[2] In 2017, he joined the EuroLeague officiating roster,[3] and has since officiated numerous high-profile games.[4]
.jpg) Difallah in 2025 | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 15, 1984 France |
| Nationality | French |
| Position | Referee |
| Officiating career | 2011–present |
| Career highlights | |
| |
Career
editDifallah made his professional refereeing debut in the LNB Pro A during the 2011–12 season.[2] His consistent performances led to his nomination to the FIBA panel in 2014, allowing him to officiate in international tournaments, including FIBA World Cup qualifiers and youth championships.[2]
In 2017, he was added to the EuroLeague referee pool,[3] and he has since officiated several playoff and Final Four fixtures. In the summer of 2023, he has also officiated some NBA Summer League games, held in the USA.[5][6][7]
In 2024, Difallah was selected among eight referees for the 2024 EuroLeague Final Four,[8][9] held in Berlin[10] and officiated in the Final Game between Real Madrid and Panathinaikos.[11]
In 2025, he was again selected for the Euroleague Final Four in Abu Dhabi, marking his sixth straight appearance.[12][13] In addition, Difallah officiated the 2025 EuroLeague semifinal game, between Fenerbahçe and Panathinaikos, bridging his personal milestones with those of his French referee predecessors like Yvan Mainini and Pascal Dorizon.[14]
Recognition
editIn overall, Difallah has been named Best Referee (Betclic ÉLITE) in 2018, 2022, and again for the 2024–25 season.[15][16][17]
The 2024–25 season further saw him reclaim that prestigious award, showcasing a remarkable French record including 10 Pro A finals since 2014, 3 French Cup finals, and 3 LNB All-Star Game appearances.[18]
References
edit- ↑ Vasiljevic, Bogdan (2024-06-23). "Behind the whistle: EuroLeague referee Mehdi Difallah opens up about the 2023-2024 season". Basketball Sphere. Retrieved 2025-08-17.
- 1 2 3 4 "Mehdi Difallah Referee Profile". BGbasket.com. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- 1 2 "EuroLeague Referees 2024–25". EuroLeague Basketball. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ "Ντιφαλά: "Έχω χάσει τον ύπνο μου για λάθος απόφαση – Χαίρομαι όταν έρχομαι Ελλάδα"". Eurohoops (in Greek). 2024-06-23. Retrieved 2025-08-17.
- ↑ Kalbrosky, Bryan (2023-07-10). "Victor Wembanyama tried to shake hands with a ref who bizarrely didn't notice him". For The Win. Retrieved 2025-08-17.
- ↑ "San Antonio Spurs vs Portland Trail Blazers Jul 9, 2023 Game Summary". NBA. 2023-07-09. Retrieved 2025-08-17.
- ↑ "Sacramento Kings vs Atlanta Hawks Jul 7, 2023 Game Summary". NBA. 2023-07-07. Retrieved 2025-08-17.
- ↑ Brezovac, Bojan (2023-05-12). "Euroleague Basketball appoints Final Four referees". Eurohoops. Retrieved 2025-08-17.
- ↑ "The names of the 2024 Final Four referees are revealed". TalkBasket.net. 2024-05-13. Retrieved 2025-08-17.
- ↑ "EuroLeague Final Four Referees Announced". Instagram (EuroLeague Official). Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ Askounis, Giannis (2025-01-16). "Laso jokingly notes intention to look into referee Difallah before Panathinaikos game". Eurohoops. Retrieved 2025-08-17.
- ↑ "L'arbitrage français brille au plus haut niveau". FFBB. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ "Euroleague : Mehdi Difallah sélectionné pour son 6e Final Four d'affilée". Basket Europe. 8 May 2025. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ "Mehdi Difallah est le 5e arbitre français à officier lors d'une finale de l'Euroleague". Basket Europe. 21 May 2023. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ "Mehdi Difallah (Betclic Élite) et Najib Chajiddine (Pro B) désignés meilleurs arbitres de la saison". Basket Europe. 18 May 2022. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ "Mehdi Difallah récompensé". FFBB. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ "Trophées 2024-/2025 – les meilleurs arbitres de la saison ont été nommés". FFBB. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ "Trophées 2024-/2025 – les meilleurs arbitres de la saison ont été nommés". FFBB. Retrieved 18 May 2025.