An Anglesey councillor has announced he is to retire as an international football delegate after years of administrating some of European football’s greatest show pieces.

Cllr Trefor Lloyd Hughes, who represents the Ynys Gybi ward for Plaid Cymru on Anglesey Council, is also a former president of the Football Association of Wales (FAW).

The retired ambulance driver, who grew up in Holyhead and Bodedern, has spent the past six years as an official UEFA delegate, which has seen him tasked with being the “eyes and ears” of the European governing body  at several international and club matches.

But, according to Cllr Hughes, who also sits on Holyhead town council and received an OBE in 2016 for his services to football on Anglesey, the travel has taken its toll.

As a result, he intends to stick only to domestic matters from now on.

“My health hasn’t been the best over the past few years and I’m 70 now, so something had to give,” he said.

“While it’s a great honour, the travel does take its toll and, despite only being away for two or three days at a time, it’s just getting to be a bit much.”

He began his long association with Welsh football aged just 15 by selling tickets door-to-door to raise money for his local club, Bodedern FC.

Over the years, his role at Bodedern evolved drastically and he ended up doing everything from playing and putting up the nets to running the post-match bath.

He has served on the FAW council since 1989 and has also held the posts of treasurer and senior vice-president, but intends to continue his duties as Life Vice President of the FAW and his work with the North Wales Coast FA, as well as his council work.

According to Trefor, the highlight of his time as a UEFA delegate was covering the 2014 Europa League Final between Sevilla and Benfica, which was played in Turin.

However, he has also officiated over various international matches including a star-studded Spanish side when they hosted Luxembourg in 2015 and German giants Borussia Dortmund when Austrian side Wolfsberger AC were the visitors in a Europa League tie in August of that year.

“The Europa League final was definitely the pinnacle,” he said.

“Despite all the pressure, it’s an honour to be associated with something like that.

“But that said, I find just as much pleasure watching some of the local sides on a Saturday and doing what I can to help the many clubs we have on the island and further afield.

“Hopefully, some of the future stars of Welsh football are right on our doorstep.”