RYAN GIGGS STEPS DOWN AS WALES MANAGER WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT

The 48-year-old former Manchester United winger has stepped down with immediate effect from his role as manager of the Welsh national football team.

Giggs had already stepped back from the position after being arrested in November 2020 which lead to charges of using controlling behaviour and assault of his former partner.

In a statement, Giggs said:

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"After much consideration, I am standing down from my position as manager of the Wales men's national team with immediate effect.

"It has been an honour 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 tournament with certainty, clarification and without speculation around the position of their head coach."

 "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.

"I am sad that we cannot continue this journey together because I believe that this extraordinary group will make the country proud at our first World Cup since 1958.

"It is my intention to resume my managerial career at a later date."

 

Wales recently won a vital play-off final against Ukraine under the guidance of interim manager Robert Page, which  propelled the team to their first world cup appearance in 64-years.

Giggs has plead not guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour against his ex-girlfriend Kate Greville between August 2017 and November 2020.

He has also plead not guilty to assaulting Ms Greville causing her actual bodily harm, along with the common assault of her younger sister, Emma Greville, at his home in Worsley on 1st of November 2020.

The trial has been set for August 8th after an initial setback due to lack of court space.