HUN - Hall of Fame inductee Ervin Kassai passes away

BUDAPEST (Hall of Fame) - It was with much sadness that FIBA was informed of the passing away of legendary Hungarian basketball referee Ervin Kassai at the age of 87.

Kassai his debut as an international referee in 1953 and would go on to whistle hundreds of international games.

In 1960 he was selected to referee at his first Olympics, in Rome.

This was followed up by a call-up to the the first of his two FIBA World Championships, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1963.

A year later in Tokyo, at his second Olympics, his performance saw him nominated to call the Final between the USA and the USSR.

Kassai added a two further Olympics to his name in Mexico in 1968, again being called upon to whistle the Final - this time between the USA and Yugoslavia - and the 1972 Games in Munich, while 1970 saw him selected for the second of his two FIBA World Championships.

Kassai also officiated in numerous other top level games and championships, including Men and Women's European Championships and club competitions.

He also served as FIBA Technical Commissioner for almost three decades, between 1966 and 1995.

Kassai was made a FIBA Honorary Referee in 1976 and received the FIBA Order of Merit in 1994, before being inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame on 12th September 2007.

Mr. Mainini, Mr. Stankovic and Mr. Baumann speak on behalf of FIBA in sending their condolences and deepest sympathy to his family and friends. He will be sorely missed.

FIBA