“An honor and a privilege to manage my country”- Ryan Giggs steps down as Wales national team manager ahead of facing a domestic abuse trial
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Ryan Giggs stepped back from his role as Wales manager which he assumed in 2018, in November 2020 after being arrested on suspicion of assault. He was charged with assaulting two women by Greater Manchester Police in April 2021.
The former Manchester United winger was replaced by Robert Page for Wales’ campaign at the delayed Euro 2020 tournament, with the caretaker boss since leading the team to qualification for the World Cup later this year.
The 48-year-old has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges, as well as to one count of controlling and coercive behaviour. He announced on Monday he was stepping down to allow the team to prepare for the World Cup without any distractions.
Ryan Giggs does not want any outside distractions to Wales’ National team’s World Cup preparation
“After much consideration, I am standing down from my position as manager of the Wales men’s national team with immediate effect,” read a statement issued by Giggs.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to manage my country, but it is only right that the FAW, the coaching staff and the players prepare for the tournament with certainty, clarification and without speculation around the position of their head coach.”
In the statement, widely reported by UK media, Giggs said, “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 and I look forward to watching our national team alongside you in the stands,” he added.
Wales FA also issued their own separate statement about Ryan Giggs’ resignation
In a separate statement, the Football Association of Wales said, “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,” the statement added.
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Sujeeth Shetty
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