Former Manchester United great Ryan Giggs has stepped down as Wales manager with immediate effect. Giggs has been on leave from his post since November 2020 and faces a domestic violence trial in Manchester on August 8.
This comes after Wales qualified for the Qatar 2022 World Cup in his absence as he awaits trial for domestic violence-related charges.
The 48-year-old is accused of controlling and coercive behaviour against his former girlfriend Kate Greville between August 2017 and November 2020.
Giggs has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to all charges. Wales interim boss Rob Page has guided Wales to their first World Cup appearance since 1958 - and Giggs has now made the decision to cede responsibility ahead of the global tournament. "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," Ryan Giggs said in a statement on Monday. "I have been fortunate enough to have enjoyed some unforgettable moments during my three years in charge of the national team.