Gemma Grainger resigns as the manager of Wales with immediate effect in order to seize an unforeseen chance as the head coach of Norway.

Gemma Grainger, the former Wales manager, has made the decision to step down from her role and take on the position of head coach for Norway. Grainger, who was appointed as Wales boss in 2021, came close to leading the team to their first major tournament qualification but unfortunately fell short in the play-offs for last year’s Women’s World Cup.

Despite signing a contract extension until 2027 just last January, Grainger faced criticism and mounting pressure after Wales were relegated from the top tier of the Nations League in December. Reflecting on her time with Wales, Grainger expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to work with the players and staff, as well as representing a nation that has shown unwavering support and passion for the team.

Grainger admitted that she had no intention of leaving Wales, but an unexpected opportunity to lead Norway presented itself and she simply could not turn it down. She emphasized that the decision to leave was not taken lightly and expressed her hope that everyone understands the difficulty of the choice she had to make.

The “unexpected opportunity” for Grainger is to take charge of Norway, a team currently ranked 11th in the world. Norway reached the last 16 of the World Cup last summer, where they were eliminated by Japan. Looking ahead to her new challenge, Grainger expressed her excitement at the chance to lead a new team.

She stated that she is honored to be the head coach of Norway, a nation that has been at the forefront of progressing and evolving women’s football. Norway has achieved success as World, Olympic, and European champions and boasts a team filled with world-class talent and potential. Grainger is eager to start working with the players and staff to secure their place in the Nations League A playoffs in February and establish Norway as a competitive force in major tournaments, all while embracing the values that are important to the Norwegian team.

The Football Association of Wales has announced that they will now begin the process of recruiting a new manager who will give them the best opportunity to qualify for Euro 2025 and the 2027 World Cup.