Giggs to miss start of Wales´ World Cup qualifying campaign as police investigation continues

Ryan Giggs’ absence from the Wales dugout will continue at the start of their 2022 World Cup qualification campaign following his November arrest for an alleged assault.

Giggs, who denies any wrongdoing, stepped aside temporarily for Wales’ previous fixtures in late 2020 but the legal matter is yet to be resolved, with his bail extended in February to May 1.

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) confirmed on Wednesday that it and Giggs “mutually agreed” he should stay away for their three matches later this month.

As he did for the November internationals, Giggs’ assistant Robert Page will take charge of fixtures with Belgium, Mexico and Czech Republic.

Therefore, Giggs will miss the start of Wales’ qualification campaign for the 2022 World Cup, with the Belgium and Czech Republic games falling into that category.

The 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.

— FA WALES (@FAWales) March 10, 2021

An FAW 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.

“The squad for these upcoming matches will be announced on Monday March 15.”

Giggs, who was appointed as Chris Coleman’s successor in January 2018, was arrested on November 1, 2020 after police were called following reports of a disturbance. A woman in her thirties had sustained “minor injuries”, a Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said at the time.

The former Manchester United player denied the allegations and was released on bail, which has since been extended twice.