Osian Roberts has stepped down as assistant coach of Wales to become technical director at the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.

Roberts, who also leaves his position as technical director of the Football Association of Wales Trust, worked as assistant to Gary Speed, Chris Coleman and current national team boss Ryan Giggs.

The 54-year-old was part of the backroom team which guided the Dragons to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 and was interviewed for the manager’s job prior to the appointment of Giggs in January 2018.

His departure is a significant blow to the national team as well as to wider Welsh football.

Not only was Roberts an integral coaching influence, particularly under Coleman and Speed, but he has also been the guiding light in the creation of coaching courses that have attracted some of the biggest playing names to the doors of the FAW.

Under Giggs, however, it is understood he felt his role as assistant had become marginalised and it appears the financial offer from Morocco was a big improvement on his current salary with Wales.

Roberts was initially appointed technical director of the FAW Trust in 2007 before joining Speed’s coaching staff in 2010.

The governing body said in a statement: “The FAW would like to thank Osian for his commitment to Welsh football over the past 12 years and wish him well in his future endeavours.”