diff --git a/lib/tablelib.php b/lib/tablelib.php
index a4723e05a73d0..730b168537838 100644
--- a/lib/tablelib.php
+++ b/lib/tablelib.php
@@ -797,7 +797,7 @@ function format_text($text, $format=FORMAT_MOODLE, $options=NULL, $courseid=NULL
             }
             return format_text($text, $format, $options);
         } else {
-            $eci =& $this->export_class_instance();
+            $eci = $this->export_class_instance();
             return $eci->format_text($text, $format, $options, $courseid);
         }
     }
@@ -1528,9 +1528,9 @@ function start_document($filename) {
         $filename = $filename.'.'.$this->fileextension;
         $this->define_workbook();
         // format types
-        $this->formatnormal =& $this->workbook->add_format();
+        $this->formatnormal = $this->workbook->add_format();
         $this->formatnormal->set_bold(0);
-        $this->formatheaders =& $this->workbook->add_format();
+        $this->formatheaders = $this->workbook->add_format();
         $this->formatheaders->set_bold(1);
         $this->formatheaders->set_align('center');
         // Sending HTTP headers