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Ryan Giggs Resigns As Wales Manager Ahead Of Domestic Violence Trial

Ryan Giggs has resigned from his position as Wales manager more than 18 months after he last took charge of a match.

The Welsh national team have been under the leadership of caretaker boss Robert Page since November 2020 when Giggs was arrested and subsequently placed on leave.

Giggs is accused of using controlling and coercive behavior against ex-girlfriend Kate Greville, as well as an allegation that he assaulted her and her younger sister.

The 48-year-old former Manchester United midfielder, who denies the allegations and has pleaded not guilty to all charges, will face trial on August 8.

Ryan Giggs pictured in charge of what proved to be his final match as Wales manager - a 1-0 win over Bulgaria in October 2020

Ryan Giggs pictured in charge of what proved to be his final match as Wales manager - a 1-0 win over Bulgaria in October 2020

Without Giggs steering the ship, Wales qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 64 years.

They will compete in Group B at Qatar 2022 along with the USMNT, England and Iran.

In a public statement, Giggs said: "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 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 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, destabilized or jeopardized in any way by the continued interest around this case.

"I have been fortunate enough to have enjoyed some unforgettable moments during my three years in charge of the national team. 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."

A statement published by the FAW later on Monday added: "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."

Page will lead Wales at the World Cup and is expected to be formally named as Giggs' permanent replacement.