KEIR RADNEDGE REPORTS: Ryan Giggs will not be leading Wales in their opening World Cup qualifying ties later this month by mutual agreement with the troubled Football Association of Wales.

Robert Page will take charge for this month’s games 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, the 47-year-old former Manchester United forward, was arrested and bailed in November after a reported row with his “on-off girlfriend” Kate Greville. His bail was extended until May after an allegation of assault. Giggs has denied wrongdoing.

The Welsh association agreed only on Monday to part company with its long-serving ceo Jonathan Ford after he was the subject of an FAW Council vote of no confidence over the staff appointment of a controversial former Post Office boss.

An FAW 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.

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