Vila-real mourns Manuel Mezquita, ex-councillor and former Villarreal CF director | OneFootball

Vila-real is mourning the death of Manuel Mezquita Monzó, who has died aged 63, a prominent figure in the city’s civic, sporting and social life. His career spanned the Town Hall and Villarreal CF.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, the council has offered public condolences to his family, friends and all who shared his path of personal commitment and public service.

A Partido Popular councillor for two terms, he served from 1999 to 2003 under mayor Manuel Vilanova, then from 2003 to 2007, a period that began with Vilanova and continued after Juan José Rubert took office. During his time on the council he led the Police and Sports departments.

Before entering politics, Mezquita was involved with Villarreal CF. He was a club director during the period of Pascual Font de Mora, and during the first two years of Fernando Roig he served as head of security at El Madrigal.

His name became closely tied to two pillars of local life, municipal governance and the world around the yellow club. He was also the uncle of Alberto Ibáñez, a Compromís deputy in Congress.

The funeral will be held on Monday at 16.00 at the Tanatorio San José. His death has prompted tributes across Vila-real, recalling his work in local politics, sport and public service.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo