António Garrido (referee)

António Garrido (born December 9, 1932, Lourenço Marques, Portuguese Mozambique – died September 10, 2014, Oeiras, Portugal) was a Portuguese football referee. He was one of the most respected and well-known referees in Portuguese football history, known for his strict but fair application of the laws of the game.

Garrido began his refereeing career in the 1960s and rose through the ranks to become a FIFA referee in 1972. He officiated in numerous high-profile matches, including several Portuguese league classics, European Cup (now Champions League) matches, and international fixtures. He was selected to referee at the 1978 FIFA World Cup in Argentina, where he officiated two group stage matches: West Germany vs Mexico and Austria vs Spain. He also refereed at the 1980 UEFA European Championship in Italy, officiating the group stage match between West Germany and the Netherlands.

After retiring from refereeing, Garrido remained involved in football as an analyst and commentator, often appearing on television and radio programs to discuss refereeing decisions and the laws of the game. He was known for his insightful commentary and his commitment to promoting fair play. He is remembered as a significant figure in Portuguese football and a role model for aspiring referees.