Tributes have been paid to a Wales fan who died in Qatar after travelling to support the Dragons at the World Cup.
Kevin Davies, 62 travelled to the Middle East to watch the group-stage fixtures with his son, and his family have been informed. He had been suffering from a serious illness but was in a good enough condition to make the trip before he tragically passed away.
Davies, a grandfather, left the Pembrokeshire village of Boncath with friends and family 10 days ago to watch Wales take on United States, Iran and England in Qatar. However, he was not well enough to go to Ahmed bin Ali Stadium on Friday to watch the Dragons' 2-0 defeat by Iran.
He was taken to hospital after he was found unresponsive in his apartment and his death was subsequently confirmed, with the Football Association of Wales (FAW) releasing a statement. He has been described as a "lovely man" by a member of his neighbourhood back home.
Davies worked in further education with Pembrokeshire Council prior to his retirement in January 2020 and remained active in his local community, serving as a councillor for Boncath. He was also a deacon and treasurer of Blaenffos Chapel and sang with a local choir.
Des Davies, his predecessor as local councillor, said: "The shock at Kevin's death is coming from all directions in the community. He was such a popular person, very busy and always gave 100 per cent to everything he did. Kevin was a keen supporter of Wales. He went to every game in the Euros and he was so looking forward to going to the World Cup."
Davies lived with wife Catrin and travelled to Qatar with son Gerallt, who is arranging to have his body flown back to the United Kingdom, with the British Embassy, Qatari authorities, the FAW and travel company Wonky Sheep assisting in these plans.
The report adds Catrin was being comforted by her daughter, Einir, on Saturday. An FAW statement following the sad news of Davies' death read: "Our deepest condolences from everyone at the Football Association of Wales. Our thoughts are with Kevin's family and friends at this sad time. The FAW is in contact with Kevin's family to help in whatever way we can."
FAW chief executive Noel Mooney added: "So sorry to hear that one of our Supporters has passed away here. Our condolences go to the family and of course we are here to support however we can."
Welsh fan group Fan Embassy Wales wrote on Twitter : "Unfortunately we have lost one of the Red wall yesterday in Qatar, our sincere condolences go out to his son here in Doha and his family back in Wales. May he rest in peace."
Elsewhere, a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesman said: "We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Qatar."
