The FAI is to invite heartbroken Covid-19 widower Josh Willis as a special guest to Ireland’s crucial upcoming World Cup tie.
Dad-of-four Josh’s wife Samantha, 35, tragically died from the virus on August 20, two weeks after giving birth.
The family are big soccer fans and bosses have extended their condolences and wish to honour Samantha by inviting Josh, from Derry, to Saturday’s game against Azerbaijan at the Aviva Stadium.
An FAI spokesman said: “Our thoughts are with Samantha’s family at this difficult and tragic time.
“We are aware of the family’s support for the Republic of Ireland team and we are planning to invite them to the Azerbaijan game at the Aviva Stadium next Saturday.
“We want to honour Samantha’s dedication to our squad and her family’s ongoing contribution and commitment to football in Derry.”
Josh followed the side to their last tournament at Euro 2016 and had been urged to go to Saturday’s match to honour Samantha with brother-in-law Ronan, who often accompanied them to games.
Josh said: “Samantha loved the atmosphere. We had so many happy memories from following Ireland.
“I secured tickets, for all the group games [at Euro 2016]. Samantha convinced me that opportunities like that don’t come along very often, and so I went. It was an amazing experience.”
The Azerbaijan match follows tonight’s qualifying campaign opener away to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.
The Boys in Green hope the Algarve trip will deliver their first points of their campaign to qualify for next year’s World Cup in Qatar.
After Portugal, it’s two home games against Azerbaijan and then Serbia four days later.
