WARSAW, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Tributes are being paid to the legendary Polish referee Alojzy Jarguz, who has died at the age of 85.
Jarguz, a Rogozno native, was a fixture on the local football scene for decades, becoming known as the undisputed leader among Polish referees.
Known for his sharp eye and speed, he was the first Pole to officiate at World Cup matches, but will be remembered at home for overseeing hundreds of league games during the 1970s and 1980s.
In all, he went on to referee in more than 1,200 matches.
Jarguz was first called up for FIFA international duties for the 1978 World Cup in Argentina.
But it was his officiating of the opening match of the 1982 tournament in Spain that many will remember most.
He traveled extensively, overseeing dozens of international matches, European competitions and over 250 domestic league games.
In later years, he enjoyed brief fame in the Middle East for his stint in the United Arab Emirates football league.
Prior to carving out a life in football, Jarguz worked as a professional soldier and manager of a holiday resort. He died in hospital in Olsztyn, in northeast Poland on Monday.
