The Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) has announced the return of foreign referees to officiate in the CBA playoffs after an 11-year hiatus. Asian referees will be coming to China one after another to enforce the CBA semi-finals, raising questions about the quality of their officiating skills.
According to a report by Beijing Youth Daily reporter Song Xiang, a Korean referee has already arrived in Shenyang, with a Syrian referee expected to follow suit in the near future. This move marks a shift in the CBA’s approach to referee management, as the league strives to provide high-quality competition products that satisfy fans and players alike.
The decision to bring back foreign referees comes as the CBA looks to improve the overall standard of officiating in the league. In recent years, Chinese basketball referees have faced criticism for their whistleblowing and on-the-spot control abilities, leading to concerns about the impact on player performance both domestically and on the international stage.
Industry insiders have expressed mixed views on the return of foreign referees, with some suggesting that it could help ensure fairness and order in CBA games, while others remain cautious about the potential impact on the league. The efficacy of this move will ultimately be judged based on the performance of the foreign referees on the court.
As the Asian Basketball Federation plans to recommend 3-4 foreign referees to officiate in the CBA playoffs, the league will work closely with Chinese referees to guarantee a smooth and exciting competition. Whether the “foreign whistle” proves to be a positive addition to the CBA remains to be seen, but it marks a step towards aligning Chinese basketball with international standards.