Wales boss Giggs to miss Euro 2020 due to police charges

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 19 May 2021 17:54 BST
• 3 min read

Ryan Giggs, the former Manchester United legend, will not be present in his role as Wales national team manager at Euro 2020 as he will face criminal charges, the FA of Wales (FAW) has confirmed.

Greater Manchester Police had previously indicated Giggs is accused of causing actual bodily harm and common assault. He has been bailed and will appear at Salford Magistrates’ Court on 28 April.

As such, Robert Page will lead the Wales team into Euro 2020.

“The Football Association of Wales has noted the decision of The Crown Prosecution Service to proceed with charging Ryan Giggs, the Men’s National Team Manager,” the FAW said in a statement.

FAW Statment | Datganiad CBDC

— FA WALES (@FAWales) April 23, 2021

“In light of this decision, the FAW can confirm that Robert Page will assume the role of Cymru Men’s National Team manager for this summer’s EURO 2020 tournament and will be assisted by Albert Stuivenberg.

“An FAW Board meeting will be convened to discuss these developments and its impact on the Association and the National Team.

“The FAW will not be making any further comment at this current time.”

What is Ryan Giggs accused of?

Great Manchester Police have charged Giggs with causing actual bodily harm to a woman in her 30s and common assault of a woman in her 20s. Both charges relate to an incident on 1 November, 2020.

He is also charged with coercive or controlling behaviour between 2017 and 2020.

Giggs, meanwhile, has stated: “I have full respect for the due process of law and understand the seriousness of the allegations. I will plead not guilty in court and look forward to clearing my name.

“I would like to wish Robert Page, the coaching staff, the players and supporters every success at the Euros this summer.”

Giggs spent his full career at Manchester United from 1990 until 2014, even briefly taking charge of the first team after the sacking of David Moyes in his final year. Meanwhile, he played 64 times for Wales and scored 12 goals for his country.

Giggs has been in charge of Wales since 2018 but stood aside in November 2020 following an incident that saw Greater Manchester Police arrest him on suspicion of assaulting his girlfriend.