Ryan Giggs steps down as Wales manager, interim boss Robert Page set to stay in role for 2022 Qatar World Cup

ByTNT Sports

Published 20/06/2022 at 23:22 GMT+1

Ryan Giggs had not been seen on the touchline for Wales in over 18 months after being charged with controlling and coercive behaviour and assault, and the 48-year-old has now decided to step down as manager after his nation reached the World Cup for the first time since 1958. Interim boss Robert Page will lead Wales at Qatar 2022, where they join England, USA and Iran in Group B.

Giggs.jpg

Image credit: Eurosport

Ryan Giggs has stepped down as Wales manager, with interim boss Robert Page set to stay in his role for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar later this year.

The former Manchester United star stepped back from his post in November 2020 after being arrested.

Giggs was later charged with using controlling and coercive behaviour and assault against his ex-girlfriend and her sister - something he has denied.

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In his absence, Page took over and guided Wales to their first World Cup appearance since 1958.

"After much consideration, I am standing down from my position as manager of the Wales men's national team with immediate effect," Giggs said in a statement.

"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."

Wales will join England, USA and Iran in Group B for the tournament in Qatar.

"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," read a statement from the Football Association of Wales.

"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 added that it is his "intention to resume my managerial career at a later date".

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