RYAN Giggs is to step down from his role as Wales manager as the country builds up to the World Cup in Qatar.

Giggs was placed on leave in 2020 following allegations of domestic violence and he faces a trial this August.

Rob Page has stood in for Giggs and he will now be in charge for the World Cup which begins in November.

In a statement Giggs said that his decision to step down would allow staff and players to prepare for the World Cup without any ‘speculation’ around the position of the head coach.

He said: “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.”

The FAW said it accepted Giggs’ statement and thanked him for his time as Wales coach.

They added: “The Football Association of Wales acknowledges the personal statement released by Ryan Giggs on 20 June 2022.

“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.

“The full focus of the FAW and the Cymru Men’s National Team is on the FIFA World Cup in Qatar later this year.”