RYAN GIGGS will miss the start of Wales’ World Cup qualifying campaign later this month with his ‘assault’ case still under investigation.
The Dragons manager remains on ‘special leave’ from the Welsh FA following his arrest on November 1 on suspicion of assaulting his on-off girlfriend.
Ryan Giggs will NOT be managing Wales for the start of their World Cup QualifiersCredit: Reuters
As a result, Manchester United legend Giggs will sit out the qualifying opener against Belgium in Leuven on March 24 and the home clash with Czech Republic on March 30.
He will also miss a Cardiff friendly with Mexico sandwiched in between.
Giggs’ assistant Robert Page will continue as caretaker boss.
A Welsh FA statement read: “The Football Association of Wales (FAW) and Ryan Giggs have mutually agreed that he will not be involved in the upcoming international camp.
“Robert Page will take charge for the next three matches against Belgium, Mexico and the Czech Republic and will be supported by Albert Stuivenberg as was the case during the last international window in November.”
Giggs, who had his bail from Greater Manchester Police extended until May 1, is still waiting to hear if there is a case to answer with his file currently with the Crown Prosecution Service.
Giggs, 47, denies the allegations.
He missed Wales’ three internationals last November and, with the case unresolved by the CPS, it means Giggs will have missed SIX fixtures in total.
Giggs is still on bail on suspicion of assaulting his ex-girlfriendCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Wales will name their squad for this month’s triple-header next Monday.
The uncertainty over Giggs’ future will also be a concern with the Euro 2020 finals fast approaching.
The news on Giggs caps a miserable time for Wales after chief executive Jonathan Ford was forced to step down from his post on Tuesday following a vote of no confidence from the FAW council.
A number of issues, including the appointment of Angela van den Bogerd as ‘head of people’, led to discontent among the FAW council, who voted 26 to five against Ford, who will officially leave his post on March 31.
Ryan Giggs’ girlfriend Kate Greville moves out of mansion after his arrest for allegedly assaulting her
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
