UK ambassador to Qatar in capital ahead of World Cup
THE UK Ambassador to Qatar has visited Cardiff in support of Wales’ World Cup preparations.
Jon Wilks was meeting officials from Wales Office, Football Association of Wales, Welsh Government and South Wales Police ahead of Wales’ first World Cup finals since 1958.
Rob Page’s team qualified for the competition after beating Ukraine in the play-offs and will see the likes of Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey, Ben Davies and Wayne Hennessey play on the world stage.
All three of Wales’ group games against USA, Iran and England will be played in November at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al-Rayyan.
Tickets for the matches are due to be released shortly for sale to supporters club members and the UK Government is encouraging all fans considering going to Qatar to read its travel advice.
“The World Cup will be a hugely historic occasion for Welsh fans, and my embassy team and I look forward to welcoming the famous Red Wall to Qatar in a few months’ time,” Mr Wilks said.
“I am excited about using this visit to Cardiff to build on our relationships with the Football Association of Wales and Welsh Government, as we work together to support the team and the supporters in their preparations.
“The best thing anyone can do at present is read our Qatar travel advice.
“This contains World Cup-specific information, which will be regularly updated throughout the year and during the tournament itself.
“We want fans to enjoy their experience and they’re more likely to do so if they prepare before they go.”
Mr Wilks was born in Worcestershire but has his own Welsh heritage.
“I have some Welsh ancestry which I was fortunate to reconnect with during my teenage years,” he said.
“There were a few Welsh speaking teachers at my school, who I convinced to help me learn the language, and I was subsequently able to achieve an O-level in my spare time.”