PETAH TIKVA - It is with great sadness that FIBA learnt of the passing of former referee and commissioner Reuven Virovnik last weekend at the age of 68.

The Israeli was a popular figure in the basketball world, attending a host of major tournaments in his capacity as a FIBA Referee and also a FIBA Commissioner.

Virovnik officiated at four editions of FIBA EuroBasket and another two at FIBA EuroBasket Women in an international career on the hardwood that lasted almost two decades.

Moving into his career as a commissioner in 2000, he was a senior figure in this role at a further 11 Final Round events for men and women, also proudly fulfilling duties at the 2010 and 2014 editions of the FIBA Basketball World Cups as well as the London 2012 Olympics.

Lubomir Kotleba, former FIBA Sports Director and Advisor to the Secretary General, said: "Reuven was not only one of the best referees FIBA ever had but also a great human being and good friend. He was also for many years the person in charge of the referees in Israel and as such he was leading especially young referees on their way to the top. He was a very active member of the FIBA Europe Technical Commission sharing his knowledge and experience with the others for the good of officiating in Europe and worldwide."

Virovnik also served as a FIBA Referee Supervisor over the last decade, as well as a National Instructor for the Israeli Basketball Federation.

He is survived by his wife Aviva and their three children Einat, Rom and Neta.

FIBA