Ryan Giggs to reportedly step down as Wales manager amid ongoing assault case

Giggs is due to appear in court on assault charges in August

Ryan Giggs is set to step down from his role as Wales manager. The Manchester United and Premier League legend is to announce the news in the coming days, the Mail reports. It comes as he awaits trial on charges of assaulting his ex-girlfriend and her sister. Giggs was appointed as manager of his country in January 2018, but temporarily stepped down from the position following his arrest in November 2020 on allegations of domestic abuse. Rob Page was appointed as interim boss following this. So far under his management he has guided Wales to the knockout stages of the European Championships last year, and led the national side to their first World Cup in 64 years. It is thought that Giggs has decided to permanently leave his role to bring closure to the situation and so that it does not act as a distraction ahead of Wales' appearance in Qatar. In April 2021, the 48-year-old was charged with actual bodily harm and common assault against his ex-girlfriend and her sister. He was also charged with coercive or controlling behaviour between December 2017 and November 2020. Giggs denies all the allegations. The ex-footballer had been due to go on trial at Manchester Crown Court in January this year, but the trial was adjourned for close to seven months to August 8 following a backlog of cases at the court. Wales qualified for their first World Cup in 64 years earlier this month after they beat Ukraine in a play-off final. Following their qualification for the tournament in Qatar, Page revealed his contract as manager had been extended. Giggs' resignation looks set to now remove any confusion or doubt over Page's long-term position in the role. Related links:

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