Ryan Giggs said he has stood down as Wales manager with immediate effect because he does not want to “destabilise or jeopardise” their World Cup campaign with speculation over his upcoming trial on charges of domestic violence.
Giggs has been on leave from the role since November 2020, with his trial in Manchester scheduled to begin on 8 August. The 48-year-old former Manchester United winger is accused of controlling and coercive behaviour against his former girlfriend Kate Greville between August 2017 and November 2020.
Giggs is also accused of assaulting Ms Greville, causing her actual bodily harm, and of the common assault of her younger sister, Emma Greville, at his home in Worsley, Greater Manchester, on November 1, 2020. Giggs has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Robert Page has led Wales to their first World Cup in 64 years in his absence and Giggs admitted he had taken the decision to step down after much consideration.
“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,” said Giggs in a statement on Monday night.
“As has been well publicised, I have pleaded not guilty to the criminal accusations being heard at Manchester Crown Court. 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.”
It is understood that Giggs, who was appointed in January 2018, decided to stand down after Wales beat Ukraine in their World Cup playoff final in Cardiff two weeks ago.
“I have been fortunate enough to have enjoyed some unforgettable moments during my three years in charge of the national team,” he added.
“I am proud of my record and will cherish those special times forever. 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 and I look forward to watching our national team alongside you in the stands. Finally, I would like to wish the players, the staff and the supporters at the FAW every success at the World Cup and in the future.”
A statement from the FAW read: “The Football Association of Wales acknowledges the personal statement released by Ryan Giggs on 20 June 2022. 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.”