Mehdi Difallah

Mehdi Difallah
Difallah in 2018
Personal information
Born (1984-06-15) June 15, 1984
France
NationalityFrench
PositionReferee
Officiating career2011–present
Career highlights
  • Appointed FIBA referee (2014–present)
  • EuroLeague referee (2017–present)

Mehdi Difallah (born 15 June 1984) is a French amateur 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]

Career

Difallah 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

In 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

  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ a b c d "Mehdi Difallah Referee Profile". BGbasket.com. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
  3. ^ a b "EuroLeague Referees 2024–25". EuroLeague Basketball. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
  4. ^ "Ντιφαλά: "Έχω χάσει τον ύπνο μου για λάθος απόφαση – Χαίρομαι όταν έρχομαι Ελλάδα"". Eurohoops (in Greek). 2024-06-23. Retrieved 2025-08-17.
  5. ^ 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.
  6. ^ "San Antonio Spurs vs Portland Trail Blazers Jul 9, 2023 Game Summary". NBA. 2023-07-09. Retrieved 2025-08-17.
  7. ^ "Sacramento Kings vs Atlanta Hawks Jul 7, 2023 Game Summary". NBA. 2023-07-07. Retrieved 2025-08-17.
  8. ^ Brezovac, Bojan (2023-05-12). "Euroleague Basketball appoints Final Four referees". Eurohoops. Retrieved 2025-08-17.
  9. ^ "The names of the 2024 Final Four referees are revealed". TalkBasket.net. 2024-05-13. Retrieved 2025-08-17.
  10. ^ "EuroLeague Final Four Referees Announced". Instagram (EuroLeague Official). Retrieved 18 May 2025.
  11. ^ Askounis, Giannis (2025-01-16). "Laso jokingly notes intention to look into referee Difallah before Panathinaikos game". Eurohoops. Retrieved 2025-08-17.
  12. ^ "L'arbitrage français brille au plus haut niveau". FFBB. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
  13. ^ "Euroleague : Mehdi Difallah sélectionné pour son 6e Final Four d'affilée". Basket Europe. 8 May 2025. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
  14. ^ "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.
  15. ^ "Mehdi Difallah (Betclic Élite) et Najib Chajiddine (Pro B) désignés meilleurs arbitres de la saison". Basket Europe. 18 May 2022. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
  16. ^ "Mehdi Difallah récompensé". FFBB. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
  17. ^ "Trophées 2024-/2025 – les meilleurs arbitres de la saison ont été nommés". FFBB. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
  18. ^ "Trophées 2024-/2025 – les meilleurs arbitres de la saison ont été nommés". FFBB. Retrieved 18 May 2025.


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