Ryan Giggs has confirmed that he has officially stepped down from his role as Wales national team manager.
The former Manchester United winger has been on leave from his position as Wales boss since November 2020 as he faces a domestic violence trial on August 8 in Manchester. Giggs denies the charges.
In a public statement, Giggs confirmed reports that he has quit the role completely ahead of the World Cup this winter. He said: "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.
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"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 have been fortunate enough to have enjoyed some unforgettable moments during my three years in charge of the national team."
An FAW statement issued on Monday evening said: "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."
Giggs is standing trial after being accused of controlling behaviour of his ex-partner Kate Greville, assault occasioning actual bodily harm of Ms Greville, and assault by beating of her sister Emma Greville, charges he denies. His trial was supposed to take place in January but had to be postponed until August because a courtroom wasn't available to hear the case, with other trials including with defendants in custody having to be prioritised.
In a statement issued at the time he was charged, Giggs said: "I have full respect for the due process of law and understand the seriousness of the allegations. I will plead not guilty in court and look forward to clearing my name."
In Giggs' absence, interim manager Rob Page guided Wales to the last 16 of Euro 2020 and oversaw their qualification to their first World Cup in 64 years after they beat Ukraine in a playoff qualifier last month.
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