David Griffiths, former President of the Football Association of Wales, has received an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours List for services to association football.
Griffiths, from Maesteg, was elected President of the FAW for a three-year term in 2015 and oversaw the Cymru Men’s National Team heroics at UEFA EURO 2016 and the successful hosting of the 2017 men’s and women’s UEFA Champions League Finals in Cardiff.
However, Griffiths reached the top position within Welsh football and received the honour of an OBE following 58 years of service to the game in Wales.
After his playing days, Griffiths’ involvement in football administration began in 1965 with his local Welsh Football League (WFL) club Maesteg Park Athletic, where he was the club secretary until 2010.
In 1981 he was elected to the Council of the WFL and served as its Chair on two occasions between 1990-1992 and 2008-2010.
In 1992, Griffiths was elected to the FAW Council and has held positions such as Chair of the FAW Referees Committee and Chair of the FAW Board of Directors, before becoming President.
Griffiths has also gained international experience with various FIFA and UEFA roles.
He’s been a board member of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and held the position of FIFA Match Commissioner.
For many years, Griffiths has been a UEFA Match Delegate, with the governing body of European football recognising his vast experience using him to mentor new Match Delegates since 2017.
Griffiths remains on FAW Council as ‘Past President’ and is a current member of the Referees Committee and the National Leagues Board.
The FAW congratulates David Griffiths on receiving an OBE for his services to Welsh football.