Ryan Giggs confirmed on Monday that he has resigned as Wales national team coach.
The former Manchester United winger is awaiting trial after being accused of controlling and forcing his ex-girlfriend and her sister to behave and attack.
Giggs has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is out on bail. The trial at Manchester Crown Court was set to begin on January 24 but was postponed until August 8 – the 48-year-old has now decided to step down.
“After much deliberation, I am stepping down as manager of the Wales national team with immediate effect,” Giggs said in a statement.
“It is an honor and privilege to manage my country, but the preparation by the Wales FA, the coaching staff and the players is worth it. [World Cup] Competition definitely, with explanations and without guessing around the position of their head coach.
“It simply came to our notice then. I want the country’s preparations for the World Cup to be affected, not to be destabilized or to jeopardize the ongoing interests in this matter. “
Giggs stepped down as Wales coach in November 2020 after Robert Page guided the country to the 1958 World Cup final after winning the playoffs over Ukraine earlier this month.
The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has accepted Giggs’ resignation.
The FAW is grateful for Ryan Giggs’ tenure as manager of the Cymru Mains national team and the decision he has made is in the best interests of Welsh football, “the statement read on Monday.
“The full focus of the FAW and Cymru men’s national teams is on the FIFA World Cup in Qatar later this year.”
