Ryan Giggs retired as manager of Wales immediately.
Giggs has been on leave since November 2020 and faces a domestic violence trial in Manchester on August 8.
The 48-year-old former Manchester United player is accused of controlling and coercing his ex-girlfriend Kate Greville between August 2017 and November 2020.
Giggs is also charged with assaulting Ms. Greville, causing actual bodily harm, and the usual assault on her younger sister Emma Greville at his home in Worsley, Greater Manchester, on November 1, 2020.
Giggs denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The trial will last about two weeks from August 8.
Robert Page led Wales to their first World Cup in 64 years in the absence of Giggs. Paige will answer in Qatar, and Giggs will decide to retire.
“It has been an honor and a privilege for me to run my country, but it is right that the Welsh Federation, the coaching staff and the players should prepare for the tournament with certainty, explanations and no speculation about their head coach’s position,” Giggs said in a statement.
He said he intended to “resume his managerial career at a later date”.
The Wales Football Association said it “recognizes the personal statement issued by Ryan Giggs on 20 June 2022”.
A brief statement reads: “FAW would like to thank Ryan Giggs for his tenure as manager of Cymru’s men’s national team and appreciate his decision, which is in the best interests of Welsh football.
“The full focus of FAW and Cymru’s men’s national team is on the FIFA World Cup in Qatar later this year.”
Giggs’ statement in full
After much deliberation, I resign from my position as manager of the Welsh men’s national team with immediate effect.
It was an honor and a privilege for me to run my country, but it is right for the Welsh FA, the coaching staff and the players to prepare for the tournament with certainty, explanations and without speculation about the position of their head coach.
As it was well publicized, I pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges heard in the Manchester court.
Although I am confident in our litigation, I hoped that the case would be heard sooner so that I could resume my managerial responsibilities.
It was nobody’s fault that the case was delayed.
I do not want the country’s preparations for the World Cup to be affected, destabilized or threatened in any way by the continuing interest in this case.
I was lucky to enjoy some unforgettable moments during my three years at the helm of the national team.
I am proud of my record and I will appreciate these special times forever.
It was a pleasure for me to work with so many established, senior professionals and it gave me great pride to watch so many young players progress in the national team and thrive in the red colors of our country.
I am moved and grateful to our passionate supporters for following us around the world.
Seeing nearly 3,000 of our loyal, traveling fans in Baku qualifying for the European Championship against Azerbaijan made me appreciate the sacrifices people make to watch our nation’s game.
I am sad that we cannot continue this journey together, because I believe that this exceptional group will make the country proud of our first World Cup since 1958.
I would like to thank CEO Noel Mooney, his predecessor Jonathan Ford, the FAW board, and the many people behind the scenes who work tirelessly to help our national team and the support they have given me this a difficult moment in my personal life.
My intention is to renew my managerial career at a later date and I look forward to watching our national team with you in the stands.
Finally, I would like to wish the players, staff and supporters of FAW success in the World Cup in the future.
Thank you and best wishes. Ryan
Giggs, who won 64 games for Wales as a player, succeeded Chris Coleman as manager.
He had to win over many supporters who questioned his commitment to Wales’ cause during Old Trafford’s stellar playing career.
But Giggs did so as Wales – sacked by the brilliance of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey – qualified for Euro 2020, their second consecutive European Championship final.
However, Euro 2020 was postponed by 12 months due to the coronavirus and Paige, whom Giggs appointed as his assistant in August 2019, eventually brought Wales to the finals last summer.
Paige builds on this work, placing Wales second only to Belgium in their qualifying group for the 2020 World Cup.
Victories over Austria and Ukraine then secured Wales a place in the World Cup for the first time since reaching the quarter-finals in Sweden in 1958.
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Gareth Bale was speechless after Wales qualified for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Paige recently revealed that his contract is valid for as long as Wales at the World Cup, and Bale backed the former boss of Northampton and Port Vale before the League of Nations match this month against Belgium.
Bale said: “I think he is a long-term manager. I don’t think there are any questions in the locker room or from the fans.
“He did an amazing job getting into difficult circumstances. Everyone has a great relationship with him.
“I guess that’s why you achieve great things when your team is happy and your manager is doing well.”
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