# Antonio Mateu Lahoz

> Spanish football referee (born 1977)

**Wikidata**: [Q3619862](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3619862)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonio_Mateu_Lahoz)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/antonio-mateu-lahoz

## Summary
Antonio Mateu Lahoz is a Spanish football referee born in 1977, recognized for his career in officiating national and international matches. He has been active since 2008, notably overseeing high-profile games in tournaments like the UEFA Champions League.

## Biography
- **Born:** March 12, 1977
- **Nationality:** Spanish
- **Known for:** Officiating football matches in Spain and international competitions
- **Employer(s):** Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), UEFA
- **Field(s):** Association football refereeing

## Contributions
Antonio Mateu Lahoz has officiated numerous matches in Spain's domestic leagues and international tournaments. His contributions include:
- **La Liga Matches:** Regularly refereeing top-tier Spanish league games since his promotion to the Primera División in 2011.
- **UEFA Champions League:** Officiating matches in the UEFA Champions League, including notable fixtures such as RB Leipzig vs. Olympique Lyonnais in 2019.
- **International Tournaments:** Participating in UEFA Europa League and other continental competitions, ensuring adherence to football regulations.

## FAQs
**What is Antonio Mateu Lahoz's profession?**  
He is a professional football referee, overseeing matches in Spain and international competitions.

**When did Antonio Mateu Lahoz begin his refereeing career?**  
He started his professional refereeing career in 2008, later advancing to the Primera División in 2011.

**What notable matches has Antonio Mateu Lahoz refereed?**  
He has officiated UEFA Champions League matches, including a 2019 fixture between RB Leipzig and Olympique Lyonnais, and regularly referees La Liga games.

**Is Antonio Mateu Lahoz affiliated with any football organizations?**  
Yes, he is affiliated with the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and UEFA, governing bodies that sanction his refereeing assignments.

## Why They Matter
Antonio Mateu Lahoz plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of football matches in Spain and Europe. His consistent performance in high-stakes games ensures fair play, contributing to the sport's credibility. His experience and reliability have led to assignments in prestigious tournaments, influencing the outcomes of competitions and setting standards for refereeing.

## Notable For
- **UEFA Champions League Referee:** Officiated key matches in the UEFA Champions League.
- **La Liga Experience:** Regularly referees top-tier Spanish league games since 2011.
- **International Assignments:** Participated in UEFA Europa League and other continental competitions.
- **Longevity in Career:** Active in professional refereeing since 2008, demonstrating sustained expertise.

## Body
### Early Life and Career Beginnings
Antonio Mateu Lahoz was born on March 12, 1977, in Spain. He embarked on his refereeing career in 2008, progressing through the ranks to become a recognized official in Spanish football.

### Professional Refereeing Career
- **Domestic Leagues:** Lahoz began officiating in Spain's lower divisions before being promoted to the Primera División in 2011. He has since become a regular referee in La Liga, overseeing matches involving top clubs.
- **International Competitions:** His performance earned him assignments in UEFA competitions, including the Champions League and Europa League. Notably, he refereed the 2019 UEFA Champions League match between RB Leipzig and Olympique Lyonnais.
- **Affiliations:** As a member of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and UEFA, Lahoz adheres to the governing bodies' standards, ensuring consistency in his officiating.

### Notable Assignments and Impact
Lahoz's career highlights include:
- **UEFA Champions League:** Demonstrated expertise in high-pressure European fixtures.
- **La Liga Consistency:** Maintained a strong presence in Spain's top league, contributing to the fair conduct of matches.
- **Career Longevity:** With a career spanning over 15 years, Lahoz has adapted to evolving refereeing technologies and rule changes, such as the introduction of Video Assistant Referees (VAR).

### Legacy and Influence
Through his work, Lahoz has upheld the principles of fair play and sportsmanship, earning respect from players, coaches, and fans. His assignments in prestigious tournaments reflect his standing among Europe's top referees, influencing the development of younger officials and shaping the standards of modern football refereeing.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013