Soccer-Grainger steps down as Wales head coach to take Norway job

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - UEFA Women's Nations League - Group C - Wales v Germany - Liberty Stadium, Swansea, Wales, Britain - December 5, 2023 Wales manager Gemma Grainger before the match Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra/File Photo

(Reuters) - Gemma Grainger has stepped down as Wales Women manager to become Norway's head coach, the Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) said on Wednesday.

Grainger will take over from Norway's interim coach Leif Gunnar Smerud, who has been at the helm since former head coach Hege Riise stepped down following a disappointing last-16 Women's World Cup exit in August.