Former Premier League official Keith Cooper, father of former Swansea City boss Steve, has died

One of Wales' best referees, Keith Cooper, has died at the age of 78.

The Pontypridd-born official enjoyed an exceptional career at both domestic and international level, taking charge of Premier League matches, European Championship qualifiers and the 1994 League Cup final.

Following his retirement in 1996, he would hold the position of Referees' Officer for the Football Association of Wales.

He was also the father of former Swansea City, Leicester City and Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper.

Cooper began his career as an official in 1975, beginning as an assistant referee in the Football League.

He would then move onto the supplementary list of referees two years later, refereeing in the Football League between 1982 and 1992.

His first Premier League match was in January 1993, with Cooper continuing to take charge of top-flight matches for the remainder of his career.

In 1986, he refereed the FAW Welsh Cup final between Wrexham and Kidderminster at the Racecourse, before being in charge for the replay at Aggborough three days later.

His most high-profile match was the 1994 League Cup final at Wembley between Manchester United and Aston Villa.

He would also take charge of several international fixtures during his officiating career, including a European Championship qualifier between the Republic of Ireland and Luxembourg in September 1987

After retirement, Cooper moved into the media, doing punditry work on the radio.

He also worked with special needs children, especially children with sight problems, at Torfaen and Caerphilly County Borough Councils.

He was also a valued member of the Wiltshire FA Council who recognised his ‘integrity, passion and commitment’ in their tribute to his services to the game.

In a statement, the FAW said that they send "their condolences to his family and friends at this sad time".