Giggs said it was ‘only right’ he stepped down
Ryan Giggs has confirmed he is stepping down from his position as manager of Wales with immediate effect.
The former Manchester United winger has been on leave from the role since November 2020 and is set to face a domestic abuse trial in August.
Giggs is accused of controlling and coercive behaviour against former girlfriend Kate Greville.
He is also accused of assaulting Ms Greville, causing her actual bodily harm, and of the common assault of her sister, Emma Greville, in November 2020.
Giggs denies all the allegations and had pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.
Robert Page replaced Giggs as caretaker manager, guiding Wales to their first World Cup since 1958 with their recent playoff victory over Ukraine.
In a statement, Giggs said it was “only right that the Wales FA, the coaching staff and the players prepare for the tournament with certainty, clarification and without speculation around the position of their head coach”.
The 48-year-old added: “Whilst I am confident in our judicial process, I had hoped that the case would have been heard earlier to enable me to resume my managerial responsibilities.
“Through nobody’s fault the case has been delayed.
“I do not want the country’s preparations for the World Cup to be affected, destabilised or jeopardised in any way by the continued interest around this case.”
The Football Association of Wales (FAW) added: “The FAW places on record its gratitude to Ryan Giggs for his tenure as manager of the Cymru Men’s National Team and appreciates the decision he has taken, which is in the best interests of Welsh football.
“The full focus of the FAW and the Cymru Men’s National Team is on the FIFA World Cup in Qatar later this year.”
The Football Association of Wales acknowledges the personal statement released by Ryan Giggs.
— FA WALES (@FAWales) June 20, 2022
Related links:
- Ryan Giggs trial delayed due to lack of court space
- Welsh FA confirm Ryan Giggs will be replaced by Robert Page for the Euros
- Ryan Giggs to reportedly step down as Wales manager amid ongoing assault case
