Gemma Grainger has stepped down as manager of the Welsh national team with immediate effect and been appointed as head coach of Norway.

Wales have endured a dire UEFA Nations League campaign which culminated in their relegation and will now look to rebuild as Grainger departs for the former FIFA World Cup and UEFA EURO champions.

Grainger was appointed manager in March 2021, spending nearly three years in the role, and guided the team to the brink of qualification for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, missing out to a last-minute defeat in the play-off final against Switzerland.

During this time, a record attendance for a women’s international match was also achieved when 15,200 fans attended Cardiff City Stadium to watch Wales beat Bosnia & Herzegovina in the semi-final of the World Cup play-offs.

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Noel Mooney, FAW Chief Executive, said: “I would like to place on record our sincere gratitude for what Gemma has achieved during her time as manager.

"She worked incredibly hard with all of us at the FAW to provide the best possible environment for the women’s national team to be successful.  

“We are really happy that we have progressed well under Gemma and now, we enter a period of recruitment for a new manager that will give us the best opportunity to qualify for UEFA EURO 2025 and the 2027 FIFA World Cup.”

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Gemma Grainger added: “Over the last three years I have given my heart and soul to our journey, and I will be forever grateful to have had the opportunity to work with this team and proud nation.

"It has been an honour and a privilege to work with this group of players and staff, and to represent a nation that has supported the team with incredible pride and passion.

“I had no intention to leave but I have been offered an unexpected opportunity that I could not turn down and it has been extremely difficult for me to get to this point. I hope you know the decision to leave has not been taken lightly. 

“I truly believe this team is ready to take the next steps and qualify. I’m confident the team can continue to build and grow from this point forward."