Ryan Giggs, a former Manchester United player, has resigned as Wales manager with immediate effect. Giggs has been on leave since November 2020 and will stand trial in Manchester on August 8 for domestic violence. This comes after Wales qualified for the Qatar 2022 World Cup while he is awaiting trial on domestic abuse accusations. Between August 2017 and November 2020, the 48-year-old is accused of controlling and coercive behavior toward his former girlfriend Kate Greville.
Giggs has rejected the charges and has pled not guilty to all of them.
Wales interim manager Rob Page has led his country to their first World Cup berth since 1958, and Giggs has decided to hand over control ahead of the global competition.
“It has been an honour and a joy to lead my country, but it is only right that the Wales FA, coaching staff, and players prepare for the tournament with confidence, clarity, and without speculation around their head coach’s position,” Ryan Giggs said in a statement on Monday.
“During my three years as head coach of the national team, I was lucky enough to experience several amazing events. I am pleased of my accomplishments and will always remember those wonderful moments. I’m disappointed that we won’t be able to continue our trip together because I am confident that this great bunch will bring honor to the country at our first World Cup since 1958.”
“As has been widely reported, I have pled not guilty to the criminal allegations before Manchester Crown Court,” Giggs said, according to goal.com.
“While I am faith in our legal system, I had hoped that the case would be heard sooner so that I could continue my managing duties.”
Promoted
“The lawsuit has been delayed due to no fault of anyone’s. I don’t want the country’s World Cup preparations to be harmed, destabilized, or jeopardized in any way by the ongoing attention on this subject. I intend to return to management at a later period, and I look forward to cheering on our national team with you in the stands “He went on to say.
After Andriy Yarmolenko’s own goal from a Gareth Bale free-kick, Wales qualified for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. After Ukraine’s Yarmolenko headed into his own net in the play-off final, Wales have qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1958.
