It’s been 16 days since the Wales national team celebrated one of their greatest football successes. Thanks to a 1-0 (1-0) win in the play-off final against Ukraine, Wales had qualified for a World Cup for the first time since 1958 – and bought their ticket for the tournament in Qatar.

But the World Cup will take place without Ryan Giggs. The Welsh national team manager has resigned after facing allegations of domestic violence. This was confirmed by the national association. 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 former Manchester United professional is said to have controlled and attacked his former partner. Giggs, who denies the allegations, is due to appear in court in early August.

“After careful consideration, I resign as manager of the Wales men’s national team with immediate effect,” Giggs said in a statement. 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Giggs, who had been national coach since 2018, had been replaced by Robert Page during his absence. Under his leadership, Wales held their own against Ukraine in the play-off 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.

In the championship from 21 November to 18 December, Wales will play in Group B against England, USA and Iran.