Ben Davies Brings Player's Voice to FAW Council
Wales captain Ben Davies, newly appointed to the FAW Council as a players' representative, says he wants to bridge the gap between the pitch and the boardroom and give back to Welsh football.
Ben Davies, the Wales captain and Tottenham Hotspur defender, has taken a seat on the Football Association of Wales Council as a dedicated representative for Welsh players, a role he was appointed to in August 2026. BBC Wales Sport was granted rare access to the council's meeting at Dragon Park in Newport, where Davies joined fellow executives to discuss the future of Welsh football alongside a demanding playing schedule.
Davies, 33, framed the decision in terms of stewardship, describing it as an honour to represent Wales and saying he wants to give back using his position as a player. In the meeting he said he brings a player's voice to a room of experienced administrators, while acknowledging that many there know more than he does about behind-the-scenes operations. He added that having played at the highest level, he wants to help maintain and raise standards within Welsh football.
His stated mandate is broad rather than narrow, extending beyond the professional game to the domestic leagues and grassroots. Davies said he wants Welsh football to offer the best opportunities to players at every level, and that he hopes his advice, drawn from what he has seen work and fail during his career, will be acted upon.
FAW president Mike Jones praised Davies for speaking up during the morning session, noting that many people in the room stay quiet, and said the defender's contributions could help push the organisation towards best practice. Jones, who has worked with Davies on Uefa matters, said it is early days but that he expects big things from him.
Davies holds a Business Management degree and has earned his Uefa A Licence in coaching, giving him options on the touchline or in the boardroom once he retires. He said retirement is hopefully still years away and that he loves playing, but that he does not see himself doing nothing afterwards. He described the council role as a learning experience and said he would like to cross the divide from player to boardroom or a front-office role, because few players have done so and it adds a useful perspective to decision-making. Supporters have yet to weigh in on the appointment in the article.
Image: BBC Sport / BBC Sport
