Ryan Giggs is no longer the manager of the Wales football team, confirming his resignation from the post on Monday.
The former Manchester United great has been embroiled in controversy, facing charges related to controlling and coercive behavior and assault against his ex-girlfriend and her sister.
He is currently awaiting trial after being charged and has pleaded not guilty to all charges and remains on bail.
His trial at the Manchester Crown Court was due to start on Jan. 24 but has been delayed until Aug. 8 – a factor that lead to the 48-year-old deciding to step down.
“After much consideration, I am standing down from my position as manager of the Wales men’s national team with immediate effect,” Giggs said in a statement.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to manage my country, but it is only right that the Wales FA, the coaching staff and the players prepare for the (World Cup) tournament with certainty, clarification, and without speculation around the position of their head coach
“Trough nobody’s fault the case has been delayed. I do not want the country’s preparations for the World Cup to be affected, destabilized, or jeopardized in any way by the continued interest around this case.”
Ryan Giggs temporarily stepped down as Wales coach in November 2020, with Robert Page taking charge of guiding the nation to their first World Cup finals since 1958 earlier this month after a play-off victory over Ukraine.
The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has accepted Giggs’ resignation from the post.
“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,” a statement read on Monday.
“The full focus of the FAW and the Cymru Men’s National Team is on the FIFA World Cup in Qatar later this year”.
Ryan Giggs was appointed manager of Wales in January 2018.
