Ema Nikochevic appointed to referee EuroBasket Division B final in Piestany
Macedonian referee Ema Nikochevic, holding a FIBA badge, is part of the officiating team for the Belgium–Sweden final on 15.08.2026 in Piestany.
Ema Nikochevic will serve as one of the three referees for the final between Belgium and Sweden at the EuroBasket Division B tournament in Piestany on 15.08.2026.
The match decides which team is promoted to the elite division, and Nikochevic’s appointment with the FIBA badge is being read as a significant professional achievement for the Macedonian official.
Recognition and momentum
Being selected for a promotion final at a continental event highlights Nikochevic’s steady rise on the international refereeing scene. Tournament assignments at this level are scarce and reflect confidence from FIBA in her abilities.
Nikochevic has frequently been described as an example of persistence: she has steadily worked her way up through domestic and regional competitions to earn the FIBA credential that now allows her to appear on high‑profile appointments.
Earlier this year she participated in the project "Women's Sports Stories" on our web portal, where she recounted her journey and the steps that led to obtaining the FIBA badge.
The appointment in Piestany is perceived in Macedonia as further confirmation that local referees can reach prominent international stages with sustained effort and professional development.
Photo: press material from the event
