In a time when refereeing is a focal point of discussion in the basketball world, France mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished representatives. Pascal Dorizon, a former international referee who officiated at two Olympic Games (Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000), passed away this Saturday following a prolonged illness. He was 63 years old.
Throughout his career, Dorizon was widely recognized as one of the world’s finest referees. Former French national team captain Boris Diaw simply stated, “he was the best.” This sentiment appears to have been shared by high-level basketball authorities, as he officiated an Euroleague final, an EuroBasket final, and several World Championships.
In 2003, Dorizon retired from active refereeing following the death of his wife. After serving seven years as the National Director of Officiating (from 2004 to 2011), the native of Le Mans was a member of the board of directors for Cholet Basket for five years.
The entire editorial team at BasketEurope extends its sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Pascal Dorizon during this difficult time.
