In turmoil for several months, the coach of the Wales football team, Ryan Giggs, accused of domestic violence, announced on Monday evening June 20 that he was resigning from his post.
“After careful consideration, I am stepping down as manager of the Wales men’s national team with immediate effect,” Ryan Giggs, 48, said in a statement. It has been an honor and a privilege to lead my country, but it is better for the Welsh FA, the coaching staff and the players to prepare for the World Cup with certainty, clarification and without speculation around the situation of their head coach. »
The legendary former Manchester United winger was arrested in November 2020 following a violent argument with his partner, Kate Greville, and placed under judicial supervision, charged with behavior of control and bodily harm against her and assaults. of facts against the latter’s sister. Although he denies these accusations, he has since withdrawn from the Welsh team, leaving his place to his former assistant Rob Page. His trial, originally scheduled for January, is expected to be held in August.
In the “interests of Welsh football”
“I do not want the country’s preparations for the World Cup to be affected, destabilized or endangered in any way by the continued interest around this matter,” Giggs added. I intend to resume my managerial career at a later date and look forward to watching our national team alongside you in the stands. »
Giggs was appointed Wales manager in January 2018, helping the team qualify for Euro 2020. As a player, he won thirteen Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues with Manchester United. He began his coaching career at Old Trafford, taking temporary charge of the club at the end of the 2013-14 season following David Moyes’ dismissal, before working as Louis van Gaal’s assistant for two years.
The Football Association of Wales reacted to his resignation by saying in a statement that it expressed “[its] gratitude to Ryan Giggs for his tenure as manager of the Cymru Men’s National Team and appreciate[s] the decision that he’s taken, which is in the best interest of Welsh football.”
