Ryan Giggs set to step down as Wales boss before assault court case against ex-girlfriend

Ryan Giggs is set to announce he will step down as Wales boss in the coming days as he continues his legal battle, which he believes could be a distraction as his country prepare for the World Cup.

Ryan Giggs will step down as Wales boss following their qualification for the World Cup.

The Welshman will announce his decision in the coming days following talks with the FAW. He had temporarily removed himself from the role after being charged with assaulting his ex-girlfriend – although he firmly denies the allegations and is determined to clear his name.

However the date of his trial has been pushed back until August and Giggs feels his ongoing legal battle would be an unnecessary distraction in the build-up to the World Cup in Qatar this winter, reports the Daily Mail. Giggs remains a close friend of Robert Page, who has filled the void after he stepped down.

Wales qualified for a first World Cup since 1958 after they beat Ukraine 1-0 recently in Cardiff. Giggs’ trial was adjourned for almost to seven months to August 8 due to a backlog of cases at Manchester Crown Court.

The former Manchester United player is accused of causing his ex actual bodily harm back in November 2020 as well as using coercive behaviour towards her. He has also faced allegations of assaulting his ex’s sister – all of which he denies.

After leading Wales to qualification Page announced that his contract with Wales had been extended and he is now poised to lead them into the global event after the country made recent appearances at the last two European Championships.

Page dedicated the win over Ukraine to the late Gary Speed, who previously led Wales: “I said in the build up, Gary Speed started this 12 years ago. I want to dedicate this to Gary. He started the culture 12 years ago, there was a difference, there was a change. The environment completely changed and I’ve inherited that. Chris Coleman took it on and took it to another level. I’ve inherited the group.”

Wales will be in a group with England come the World Cup with the USA and Iran also their opponents. The Welsh will open their tournament with a game against the Americans on November 21.