International referee appointments update - April 2026

Sebastian Widlarz (volleyball) 

• First referee for the semi-final of CEV Women’s Challenge Cup in Athens on 19th February 2026. Panathinaikos Athens v GS Panionios Nea Smyrni. 
• Appointed as first referee for CEV Men’s Challenge Cup Final in Milan on 1st April 2026. Allianz Milano v Lindemans Aalst. 

Katarina Cepinova (volleyball) 

• Second referee for the Men’s Last 16 CEV Challenge Cup match in Valencia on 6th January 2026. Conqueridor Valencia v Fino Kaposvar. 
• Appointed to referee at the CEV U18 Volleyball European Championship 2026 for the men's Final Phase in Italy, taking place from 7th to 18th July in Porto San Giorgio and San Benedetto del Tronto.

Katarina said: "Being part of the officiating team in a knockout-stage match highlighted the importance of coordination, focus, and clear communication on court.

"Overall, these trips have been enriching both professionally and personally. Each match offered new insights and challenges, helping me refine my refereeing skills and understanding of the game. I look forward to continuing to learn, gain valuable experiences and contribute to volleyball through fair and effective officiating." 

Nick Heckford (volleyball)  

• Challenge referee for CEV Volleyball Cup men quarter-final on 5th March 2026. ACH Volley Ljubljana v Fenerbahce Medicana Istanbul.  
• Challenge referee for CEV Champions League men quarter-final on 25th March 2026. Guaguas Las Palmas v Sir Sicoma Monini Perugia. 
• Appointed to be a challenge referee for the CEV EuroVolley men's tournament in Tampere, Finland from 12th to 14th June.  

Dominik Biegajlo (volleyball)

• First referee for CEV Champions League men on 12th February 2026. Guaguas Las Palmas v Berlin Recycling Volleys.  
• First referee for CEV Volleyball Cup women on 19th February 2026. Dresdner SC v Volley Mulhouse Alsace.  
• Second referee for CEV Champions League men on 10th March 2026. Montpellier HSC VB v Guaguas Las Palmas. 
• Appointed for CEV European Women’s League on 19th June 2026. Latvia v Estonia. 
• Appointed for CEV European Women’s League on 21st June 2026. Estonia v Greece.  

Paul Whittle (beach volleyball) 

• Appointed for U18 Beach Volleyball European Championships from 17th to 20th September in Izmir, Turkey.  

Alexandru Calin (sitting volleyball) 

• Referee at Silver EuroLeague Men Pool A from 17th to 18th January in Nantes, France.
• Appointed for Golden EuroLeague men from 17th to 19th April in Lukavac, Bosnia and Herzegovina.