Arnaldo Cézar Coelho

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Arnaldo David Cézar Coelho (born January 15, 1943) was the first Brazilian, indeed first non-European to take charge of the FIFA World Cup final when he officiated in the 1982 final between Italy and West Germany.

Coelho's career began as a beach soccer referee; became professional in 1965 (at one time, famously, telling reporters that he was the highest paid match official in the world) and was appointed to the international list in 1968. He was selected for both the 1978 and 1982 FIFA World Cups. In total he officiated in seven matches during the World Cup finals.

Coelho's brother is Ronaldo Cezar Coelho, a representative and founder of the Social Democratic Party in Brazil (PSDB).

Preceded by Sergio Gonella

FIFA World Cup final match referees 1982

Succeeded by Romualdo Arppi Filho