By Gareth James

Steve Williams, the president of the Football Association of Wales (FAW), has resigned with immediate effect.

Williams had been suspended in July while an investigation was underway, but he has now chosen to step down before an independent hearing could be conducted.

The FAW has not revealed the reason behind his suspension.

In a statement, the FAW said: “Following further discussions between the parties, Mr. Stephen Williams has decided to resign from all of his roles at the FAW.

“The FAW recognises the dedication and contributions made by Mr. Stephen Williams as a passionate football supporter and president, in advancing Welsh football both domestically and internationally over the past 37 years.”

In addition to resigning as president, Williams will also relinquish all his other positions within the FAW and will no longer serve on any of its boards.

Football Association of Wales (FAW) president Steve Williams has resigned with immediate effect.#BBCSport #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/7BL8XbFBFB

— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) August 15, 2024

The 60-year-old will also be ineligible to run for any future FAW positions.

Williams was elected as FAW president in 2021, with one year remaining on his term.

Before assuming the presidency, he had been a member of the council for over 20 years and had served as vice-president.

During his tenure as president, Williams played a role in overseeing Welsh football at all levels and was involved in the decision to dismiss Rob Page as manager of the Wales men’s team in June.

Last year, the FAW announced that it had severed all ties with one of their former presidents, Phil Pritchard, following disciplinary action.

An investigation at the time had concluded that he had made ‘misogynistic’ comments that discriminated on the basis of gender at a dinner before a match while he was a member of the council.

https://twitter.com/swilliams6464/status/1824188552797712776