Euroleague Official Visits Israel to Scout Referees
Translated & summarized from Sport5 by baba
Kostas Rigas, a representative of the Euroleague Referees Association, visited Israel to scout potential referees for the league. He attended a local basketball game as part of his evaluation process. Rigas commented on the political complexities surrounding the return of Euroleague games to Israel and expressed concern over recent match-fixing scandals involving Greek referees.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Euroleague official Kostas Rigas visited Israel to scout local referees for the league.
- Rigas attended a Maccabi Rishon LeZion vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv game for his evaluation.
- He acknowledged political factors prevent Euroleague games from being held in Israel.
- Rigas expressed discomfort with recent match-fixing scandals involving Greek referees.
- The Euroleague is expanding and needs more referees, prompting the scouting tour.
Kostas Rigas, representing the Euroleague Referees Association, visited Israel to scout local referees who could potentially join the Euroleague. Rigas attended a basketball game between Maccabi Rishon LeZion and Maccabi Tel Aviv on Saturday as part of his evaluation.
He stated that while he cannot comment on the political situation preventing Euroleague games from being held in Israel, he personally feels comfortable and safe during his visit. Rigas acknowledged that the decision to host games in Israel involves complex political considerations and requires evaluating the regional situation.
Rigas, who is responsible for the Euroleague's recruitment program, explained that he is touring Europe to find new referees due to the league's expansion. This is his first visit to Israel in 15 years, and he is assessing Israeli referees' performance in the local league to identify potential candidates for the Euroleague.
Regarding recent scandals involving match-fixing allegations with Greek referees, Rigas expressed strong disapproval, calling it an "ugly situation" and hoping it does not spread across Europe. He noted that irregularities have also surfaced concerning a former Euroleague referee manager, indicating a broader issue that needs resolution for the sake of European basketball, which he considers the top sport on the continent.
