A Wales fan from Pembrokeshire who died while on a trip to the World Cup in Qatar had a smile that will be remembered forever, according to singer Dafydd Iwan.

The Welsh folk musician, whose Yma o Hyd anthem is Wales’s official tournament song, was among those paying tribute to Kevin Davies, from Boncath.

The 62-year-old is said to have been rushed to Hamad General Hospital in Doha following Wales’s match against Iran, where he later died.

It is understood to have been a medical incident and that he did not attend the 2-0 defeat, but instead remained at his apartment after feeling ill.

Mr Davies had travelled to the World Cup with his son and friends.

His family are hoping to flying him back to Wales on Monday, according to the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) Cymru.

Mr Iwan wrote a tribute in Welsh on Twitter, which translates as: “Very sad to hear today about the death of Kevin.

“A heartfelt Welshman, and one of the dearest.

“I will remember his smile forever, the incandescent smile I saw here in Doha the day before he died.

“Much love to his family in their longing.”

FSA Cymru’s Paul Corkrey told the PA news agency: “The son and his friends are hoping to fly back home today and they’re hopeful of flying Kevin back to Wales tomorrow.

“There’s been a lot of support for them, so, despite having to spend hours in the police station and hospital sorting things out, which is pretty normal, things have been pushed through pretty quickly and that’s probably to do with support from outside agencies.

“We’ve seen so many tributes left to Kevin on social media, he was obviously a lovely guy and someone who will be missed.”

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said it has been supporting Mr Davies' family.

Tivyside Advertiser: Kevin Davies, who sadly died in Qatar yesterday, was a proud member of the Red Wall. (Image: Facebook/PA)Kevin Davies, who sadly died in Qatar yesterday, was a proud member of the Red Wall. (Image: Facebook/PA) (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Davies was a widely-known and hugely popular figure in the north Pembrokeshire area around Crymych and Boncath, where he was described in one tribute as ‘halen y ddaear’ – ‘salt of the earth’.

He spent many years as Lifelong Learning manager of the Preseli Community Education Centre in Crymych before his retirement in January 2020.

He was particularly involved in youth activities, for many years leading Aelwyd Crymych, the local Urdd group, through which he organised visits to destinations including Canada and Russia.

He was a deacon and treasurer of Blaenffos Chapel, sang with Crymych Choir and as well as supporting the Wales football team, championed Crymych’s Under 13s team, accompanying them on exchange visits to the community’s twin in Brittany.