Four Welsh football fans trying to reach Qatar in an electric car in time for Wales’s first game in the World Cup have been held up at the Saudi border and could miss the match.
The four set off 18 days ago and have crossed 17 countries, driving more than 6,100 kilometres in the car, nicknamed Morris.
After reaching the border between Jordan and Saudi Arabia, they were stopped because Saudi laws prevent them from continuing their journey in a right-hand drive vehicle.
The only option available is to turn around, drive back to Israel and take a ferry to Qatar — a two-week journey that would mean missing Wales’s opener against the US on November 21.
The drivers had been well on track to arrive in Qatar on Friday to meet the Wales team at their hotel.
23 World Cup stars - in pictures
-
Charles De Ketelaere - Belgium. Ten caps since emerging on to the scene at the age of 21. Last campaign saw the midfielder net 18 goals for Club Brugge. After signing for AC Milan in the summer, he is a regular and could be lining up alongside Kevin de Bruyne in Qatar. EPA -
Vinicius Junior - Brazil. Part of Brazil's formidable pack of forwards. The 22-year-old, who netted the winner against Liverpool in the Champions League final last season, is expected to light up the tournament under manager Tite. Getty -
Danilo - Brazil. The 21-year-old is a regular for Palmeiras and previously picked up the adidas Bronze Ball at the Fifa Club World Cup against Chelsea for being the third best player. Inspired by Ronaldinho, he is ready to play his part for his country, after telling Fifa: 'I think Tite will be able to call on the best to become world champions. Of course, if needed, I’ll be there.' Reuters -
Rodrygo - Brazil. The 21-year-old continues to shine in the white of Real Madrid, winning La Liga, Spanish Supercup and the Champions League, while scoring nine goals and providing 10 assists last season. Given his flashes of brilliance, he is a star every side would want at their disposal. Reuters -
Alphonso Davies - Canada. The 22-year-old is certainly up there as being arguably one of the best left-back’s in world football. Davies, has won every club trophy available since joining Bayern Munich in 2019, and has now helped his country to qualify for their first World Cup since 1986. 'Look around, look around you. Look at this, we created this. This didn’t exist before we were here,' the Ghana-born star said after his side qualified. AP -
Luka Sucic - Croatia. Last season saw Sucic score 11 times for Red Bull Salzburg in Austria. The 20-year-old, who has previously been linked with a move to Liverpool, has already been hailed the heir to Mateo Kovacic and is expected to be a key figure for his side in Qatar. EPA -
Josko Gvardiol - Croatia. Subject of interest from Chelsea in the summer, with a fee £77m having been discussed. The 20-year-old centre-back eventually ended up staying at Red Bull Leipzig but should he impress in Qatar, a move away in the near future, perhaps to the Premier League, is likely. EPA -
Moises Caicedo - Ecuador. The 21-year-old midfielder will be keen to carry his club form with Brighton to his national team. Linked with a move to Liverpool and Chelsea, he will certainly be one to watch. 'I want to have a great World Cup and after that we will see what happens,' he said. 'I think they are one of the best teams in the world and no one would turn down an offer from Chelsea or a club like them.' AFP -
Piero Hincapie - Ecuador. Joined Bayer Leverkusen from Argentinian side Talleres in the summer, and the 20-year-old continues to impress. 'I will always give my best for Ecuador, and I believe we can get out of the group, it will be tough, but we can do it,' the defender said. AFP -
Jude Bellingham - England. Likened to Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, the talented 19-year-old Borussia Dortmund star continues to be linked with a move to Anfield and will certainly be one to keep an eye on in Qatar. AP -
Aurelien Tchouameni - France. After signing for Real Madrid for $100million from Monaco in the summer, the Frenchman is Los Blancos’ newest midfield recruit. A tough central midfielder who is also able to provide in attack and create chances and could take the place of the injured N’golo Kante in Didier Deschamps’ XI. AP -
Eduardo Camavinga - France. One of Europe’s most talented teenagers, and is expected to be part of the midfield set-up. After signing for Real Madrid in a deal worth €40million at the age of 19, he certainly has all the attributes to be a huge success in Qatar. PA -
Jamal Musiala - Germany. One of the standout players for Bayern Munich over the past two seasons. The 19-year-old is a regular for the Bavarian giants, and the Stuttgart-born attacking midfielder has previously talked up his chances of being involved in Qatar. 'I believe in myself! But it doesn’t matter whether I’m in the starting XI or a sub, I want to be ready and help the team. I want to help us get far.' Getty -
Marcelo Flores - Mexico. The 19-year-old midfielder, on-loan at Real Oviedo from Arsenal, chose to play for Mexico over England. 'Do I want to go to the World Cup? Sure. What Mexican kid doesn't dream of going to a World Cup?.' AFP -
Ryan Gravenberch - Netherlands. Has emerged as one of the best young midfielders in Europe. Bayern Munich secured the signature of the 20-year-old from Ajax in the summer, beating off stiff competition from the likes of Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United. 'Although he is very young, he is already a great player,' said former Manchester United defender Jaap Stam. AFP -
Nicola Zalewski - Poland. Proving wise beyond his years at Roma, and will be keen to kick on at the World Cup. Jose Mourinho started the 20-year-old in the Europa Conference League final after his debut in 2021, and the seven-cap gem made his Poland bow in September. AFP -
Nuno Mendes - Portugal. The 20-year-old left-back joined Paris Saint-Germain from Sporting Lisbon on a permanent deal in the summer, after a one year on-loan with the Parisian giants. Mendes has forced his way into the first team, becoming a regular under new boss Christophe Galtier. Will provide the much needed width for Portugal boss Fernando Santos. EPA -
Pape Matar Sarr – Senegal. Having joined Tottenham from Metz at the end of the 2020-21 season, the 20-year-old had been lighting up Ligue 1, which prompted Spurs to secure his signature. The winger played a role in Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations win earlier in 2022, and is one who could light up the tournament. AFP -
Dusan Vlahovic - Serbia. The striker burst onto the scene while playing for Fiorentina - having scored 49 goals in 108 matches in Serie A. Joined Juventus after Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit, and is another to look out for. AFP -
![Gavi - Spain. Having put pen to paper on a long-term deal to remain at Barcelona, Gavi is destined to play a key role in Qatar. Former Barca coach Luis Enrique, now manager of La Roja, is a huge fan of the talented teenager. '[Gavi is] an erupting volcano. It is very difficult not to fall in love with Gavi. Any fan wants to see him play.' Reuters](https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/TPG6LEAX4MZSLYV4GQNC7EG7CU.jpg?smart=true&auth=e69c5cda249fd2afad42972f6825f48c10829790426b60979ce3b548ef21be1a&width=400&height=225)
Gavi - Spain. Having put pen to paper on a long-term deal to remain at Barcelona, Gavi is destined to play a key role in Qatar. Former Barca coach Luis Enrique, now manager of La Roja, is a huge fan of the talented teenager. '[Gavi is] an erupting volcano. It is very difficult not to fall in love with Gavi. Any fan wants to see him play.' Reuters -
Pedri - Spain. Like Gavi, he is a regular for Barca and the 19-year-old has already been likened to Xavi due to his playing style. 'Look, he’s an extraordinary player. Don’t skimp on the praise for him,' Xavi said. 'He’s a player that excites me and one that can make a difference.' Reuters -
Ansu Fati - Spain. Spain certainly have one huge talent on their hands. Having broken several records, his highlights are becoming Barca’s youngest ever goalscorer, and in Champions League history. The 20-year-old, if he can keep himself fit, can certainly make an impact for his country. AP -
Ricardo Pepi - USA. The 19-year-old forward is currently on-loan at FC Groningen in the Eredivisie, from German side Augsburg. AP
![Gavi - Spain. Having put pen to paper on a long-term deal to remain at Barcelona, Gavi is destined to play a key role in Qatar. Former Barca coach Luis Enrique, now manager of La Roja, is a huge fan of the talented teenager. '[Gavi is] an erupting volcano. It is very difficult not to fall in love with Gavi. Any fan wants to see him play.' Reuters](https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/TPG6LEAX4MZSLYV4GQNC7EG7CU.jpg?smart=true&auth=e69c5cda249fd2afad42972f6825f48c10829790426b60979ce3b548ef21be1a&width=800&height=450)
They are bringing with them video messages of support for the team collected from fans across the journey, but the border delay puts all of that in peril.
Nick Smith, Scott Young, Huw Talfryn Walters and Walter Pennell are all from South Wales and are travelling with support from Go Ev Cymru, a community interest company trying to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in the country.
The MG4 electric car is being provided by FAW sponsors, Nathaniel Cars.
Football fans arrive in Qatar for the World Cup - in pictures
-
Football is the focus for this smartphone photographer on the Corniche in Doha. AFP -
Argentina fans at the Corniche. AFP -
A wave from Mexican fans. AFP -
A Brazilian takes a breather at the Flags Square. AFP -
France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is emblazoned across the side of a building. AFP -
This fan only has eyes for Brazil. AFP -
Fun at the fort. Supporters in the Corniche area. Getty -
Fans fly the flag for Senegal. Getty -
Smiles and sombreros from Mexican fans at the Corniche. Getty -
This way for the World Cup. Workers paint directions on the road in Doha. AFP -
World Cup banners hang over the street in Doha. AFP -
Tunisia supporters gather in front of their team's hotel in Doha. AFP -
Argentina fans dance with drums at a popular tourist area in Souq Waqif. Reuters -
Moroccan football fans at the Corniche waterfront in Doha. Getty -
Fans pose in front of the Qatar 2022 countdown clock in Doha. AFP -
A Brazilian fan at Doha Corniche ahead of the Fifa World Cup. Getty -
A football fan wears a traditional Arab head dress with the flag of Ecuador in Souq Waqif, Doha. Reuters -
Arab fans with Tunisia and Algeria flags cheer at a popular tourist area in Souq Waqif. Reuters -
Fans from Argentina cheer at Flag Plaza in Doha. AP -
A fan of Ghana's national football team poses beside the Fifa World Cup countdown clock in Doha. AFP -
A Qatar fan waves the national flag. AFP
“We were expecting problems with charging points or even the car itself on a journey of this length and magnitude, but the car has performed brilliantly and charging has not been a problem,” Mr Smith said from Aqaba in Jordan.
“To be stuck on a paperwork misunderstanding essentially is pretty frustrating. It would be devastating to turn around and drive back to Wales now and miss the World Cup when we’ve come this far.”
Football greats who never played at a World Cup - in pictures
-
GREAT FOOTBALLERS WHO NEVER PLAYED AT A WORLD CUP: Neville Southall (second right). Multiple-trophy winning goalkeeper for Everton was named among the 100 players of the 20th century by World Soccer magazine. But his Wales side never played at a major tournament. Getty -
Kazuyoshi Miura: Still playing professionally aged 55. Forty years ago, he left Japan to try his luck as a footballer in Brazil. It launched a storied career which took in Santos, Palmeiras, Genoa, and 89 caps for Japan – although none in a World Cup. Reuters -
Liam Brady: An Arsenal legend, his club career included stints with Juventus, Sampdoria and Inter, and his international one might have ended with an appearance at Italia ’90. But Jack Charlton opted against recalling him after he reversed his decision to retire. Getty -
Jari Litmanen: Captained Finland for 12 years, but was unable to lead them to a World Cup. His club career took in trophy-laden spells at Ajax, Barcelona and Liverpool. Getty -
Bernd Schuster (right): Nicknamed the Blond Angel, but a devil to deal with for managers. Enjoyed club success with Real Madrid and Barcelona. Won the European Championship with West Germany in 1980, but retired from international duty in a huff aged 24. Getty -
Duncan Edwards: Played 177 times for Manchester United and won the league with them twice, establishing himself as a great, even though he was aged just 21 when he died in the Munich air disaster. Shutterstock -
Ian Rush (right): Liverpool’s second leading scorer of all-time, Roger Hunt, won the World Cup with England in 1966. But the player who tops the list, Ian Rush, never featured in it at all. Shutterstock -
Gunnar Nordahl: Top scorer at the 1948 Olympics. AC Milan’s all-time top marksman. A five-time leading scorer in Italy’s top division. Yet prevented from playing at a World Cup due to Sweden’s rules against professional players at the time. Getty -
Laszlo Kubala: Fled Soviet-occupied Hungary in the back of a truck. Moved to Barcelona, via Austria and Italy, and became one of the club’s greats – so much so the Camp Nou was constructed to accommodate everyone who wanted to watch him play. AFP -
Eric Cantona: The greatest influence on the early years of the English Premier League, but the Manchester United forward had a chequered international career. He even said he ended up supporting England at World Cups rather than France. Getty -
Abedi Pele: A European Cup winner with Marseille, one of Africa’s all-time greats, and he ripped it up in the UAE league with Al Ain, too. The World Cup is absent from his CV, though. AFP -
Ryan Giggs: The 13-time winner of the Premier League did play at an Olympics with Great Britain. But Wales missed out on every World Cup on his watch. Getty -
George Best: As the often-quoted maxim would have it: Pele good, Maradona better, but George Best. Thirty-seven caps for Northern Ireland. None in a World Cup. PA -
George Weah: The President of Liberia – and one-time UAE league star with Al Jazira – is rare among Ballon d’Or winners, having never featured in international football’s biggest event. All Sport -
Alfredo Di Stefano: “Whatever people have told you about him,” one former teammate told the author Sid Lowe, “ignore it. However good they said he was, he was better.” Played for Argentina, Spain, and Colombia, but never at a World Cup. Getty
