The Premier League quietly removed Ryan Giggs from its original Hall of Fame plans while the former Manchester United star was facing criminal charges, it has emerged.
Records show Giggs was set to be named as one of the first inductees when the Hall of Fame was launched in 2020, alongside Alan Shearer. However, the ceremony was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and by the time it went ahead, Giggs was no longer included as he was awaiting trial over allegations of domestic abuse.
The situation has returned to focus more than two years after the case against him ended. Giggs was found not guilty in July 2023 after his former partner withdrew her evidence ahead of a retrial. He had consistently denied all charges and said he was relieved by the outcome.
Since then, calls have grown for the Premier League to reconsider his Hall of Fame status. Supporters of Giggs point to the fact that other players with criminal convictions or disciplinary bans have already been inducted. These include Eric Cantona, Tony Adams, John Terry and Rio Ferdinand, each of whom faced sanctions during their careers.
Former England midfielder Matt Le Tissier publicly questioned Giggs’ absence last year, suggesting the Welshman’s football achievements alone should place him among the Hall of Fame’s earliest inductees.
Giggs remains the most decorated player in Premier League history. During his time at Manchester United, he won 13 league titles, two Champions League trophies, four FA Cups and three League Cups, and was a central figure in the club’s treble-winning season in 1999.
Since leaving the Wales manager’s role in 2022, Giggs has kept a low profile within the game. He has worked in a behind-the-scenes role at Salford City but is understood to be seeking a return to full-time management.
When previously asked about his omission from the Hall of Fame, Giggs played down its importance, saying it was not something he focused on during his career.
The Premier League has declined to comment specifically on Giggs’ case. A spokesperson said Hall of Fame selections are reviewed annually and are based on a range of factors, including playing era, achievements and voting outcomes, with final decisions made by a panel and existing inductees.
As debate continues, Giggs’ absence remains one of the most talked-about omissions since the Hall of Fame was introduced.
