Ryan Giggs is expected to pocket millions of pounds after closing a company he used to administer his earnings from football.
The former Manchester United star, 48, has liquidated 'Ryan Giggs Limited' on Companies House - the UK government's public registrar of companies. It's claimed the firm was closed with £14.3million in assets, which could be returned to the ex-footballer.
Giggs retired from playing eight years ago after winning a record 13 Premier League titles and several other notable honours, including the Champions League twice. It's believed the firm was used for the former Wales international's sponsorship and image rights.
He moved into coaching when his playing career ended. The ex-winger was United's interim boss for the last four games of the 2013/14 campaign and their assistant under Louis van Gaal between 2014 and 2016 before stepping down when Jose Mourinho was hired.
Giggs was appointed Wales manager in January 2018 and led them to qualification for Euro 2020, which took place in the summer of 2021 due to the Covid pandemic. He was forced to step away from his role in November 2020 after being initially arrested on two counts of assault, one against his then-girlfriend and one against another person. He denies both counts.
Giggs was then charged with assault and coercive behaviour against his ex-girlfriend in April 2021, denying the charges the same month. He formerly stepped down from his role as Wales manager last month and won't lead them at this year's World Cup in Qatar.
Giggs' trial will begin on August 8 and could last up to two weeks. This was confirmed at a preliminary hearing earlier this month, which he was not required to attend. "I have made the directions that I have, the trial is listed for August 8," said Judge Hilary Manley. "The defendant's attendance was excused today but he is obviously aware of the trial date."
In a statement on his Wales departure, Giggs said: "After much consideration, I am standing down from my position as manager of the Wales men's national team with immediate effect.
"It has been an honour and a privilege to manage my country, but it is only right that the Wales FA, the coaching staff and the players prepare for the tournament with certainty, clarification and without speculation around the position of their head coach.
"As has been well publicised, I have pleaded not guilty to the criminal accusations being heard at Manchester Crown Court. Whilst I am confident in our judicial process, I had hoped that the case would have been heard earlier to enable me to resume my managerial responsibilities.
"Through nobody's fault the case has been delayed. I do not want the country's preparations for the World Cup to be affected, destabilised or jeopardised in any way by the continued interest around this case."
