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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
James Nursey

Ryan Giggs to miss start of World Cup 2022 qualifying campaign amid police investigation

Wales have confirmed Ryan Giggs will miss the start of their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign with Rob Page to continue as caretaker.

Dragons manager Giggs remains on 'special leave' from the Welsh FA following his November 1 arrest on suspicion of assaulting his on-off girlfriend.

The Manchester United legend, whose bail from Greater Manchester Police was extended until May 1, is waiting to learn if there is a case to answer, with his file still with the CPS.

Giggs, 47, denies the allegations and his No 2 Page took charge in his absence of Wales' last three games in November.

Wales drew 0-0 with USA in a friendly before beating Ireland and Finland to gain promotion to the top tier of the Nations League.

Robert Page will continue as caretaker (Action Images via Reuters)

Now the FAW have confirmed Page will continue in charge of their matches this month with Belgium, Mexico and the Czech Republic.

A statement said: “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 Cymru squad for these upcoming matches will be announced on Monday 15th March.

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

The development comes as chief executive Jonathan Ford steps down after a vote of no confidence from the FAW council.

Ford's exit and uncertainty over Giggs' future leaves Wales in crisis ahead of the first qualifier away to Belgium on March 24 and with the Euro 2020 finals looming.

But Wales are unbeaten in 11 competitive matches, a record-matching run in their history.

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