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Ryan Giggs (2019)
Photo: Bradley Collyer / PA Images / IMAGO
A good two weeks after qualifying for the World Cup, Ryan Giggs, who has faced allegations of domestic violence, has resigned as Wales manager.
The national association confirmed this late Monday evening.
They thank Ryan Giggs for his tenure as manager of the men's national team and appreciate his decision "which is in the best interests of Welsh football," the website said.
Giggs had been out of office since November 2020 after being arrested on allegations of domestic violence.
The 48-year-old ex-Manchester United player and player-coach is said to have controlled and attacked his former partner.
Giggs, who denies the allegations, is due in court in early August.
Substitute Page with historic success
"After careful consideration, I resign from my position as manager of the Wales men's national team with immediate effect," Giggs said in a statement, quoted by British media.
It has been an honor and a privilege to manage his country, but it is only right that the federation, the coaching staff and the players prepare for the tournament with certainty, clarity and no speculation about their head coach's position.
Giggs, who had been national team coach since 2018, was replaced by Robert Page during his absence.
Under his leadership, Wales qualified for a World Cup for the first time since 1958 by beating Ukraine 1-0 in the playoff final.
"The full attention of the federation and the men's national team is on the World Cup in Qatar later this year," the federation wrote.
The tournament, which runs from November 21 to December 18, pits Wales against England, USA and Iran in Group B.
cev/dpa
