The Premier League reportedly prevented Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs from being inducted into its Hall of Fame while he was facing trial over allegations of domestic abuse involving his former girlfriend.
According to The Telegraph, the 52-year-old Welshman was initially set to be named as one of the inaugural inductees alongside Alan Shearer when the Premier League introduced its Hall of Fame, inspired by similar honours in American sports. However, his inclusion was quietly withdrawn due to the serious charges he was facing at the time.
The first Hall of Fame announcements were originally scheduled for 2020 but were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the extended period before the eventual unveiling, the nomination committee became aware of developments in Giggs’ legal case and reportedly decided to omit his name from the final list.
Giggs was eventually cleared in July 2023 of allegations that he assaulted his ex-girlfriend, Kate Greville, and her sister, Emma. He had denied all accusations, including claims of controlling and coercive behaviour, as well as allegations that he headbutted Greville or elbowed her sister during an incident at his home in Worsley, Greater Manchester, in November 2020.
In 2022, a jury failed to reach verdicts on the charges, and a retrial was scheduled for the following year. However, the Crown Prosecution Service later announced it would not proceed with the retrial, explaining that Greville was unwilling to give evidence again, noting that the prolonged case had taken a significant toll on her and her family.
Reacting to the outcome, Giggs’ representative maintained that he had always been innocent of the allegations, describing the claims made against him as untrue.
The former winger stepped down as Wales national team manager in 2020 following the charges and formally resigned from the role in 2022. With more than two years having passed since he was cleared, reports suggest there could now be renewed calls for Giggs to be reconsidered for induction into the Premier League Hall of Fame.
