The Premier League reportedly made a quiet U-turn on plans to induct Ryan Giggs into its prestigious Hall of Fame, opting to exclude the Manchester United legend as he faced a high-profile trial for domestic abuse allegations.
Original Induction Plans Scrapped
According to reports, Giggs was originally slated to be among the very first Hall of Fame entrants alongside Alan Shearer. The inaugural ceremony, however, was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. By the time the process resumed, Giggs was confronting serious legal charges, leading the league to quietly abandon its initial plans.
Thierry Henry was ultimately inducted alongside Shearer as one of the first two members, replacing the Welsh international in the lineup. Giggs, who retired holding the record for scoring in every Premier League season and winning the title more times than any other player, was conspicuously absent.
Legal Proceedings and Acquittal
The 52-year-old former winger was charged with coercive or controlling behaviour against his ex-girlfriend. After a lengthy legal process, he was found not guilty in July 2023 when his accuser declined to give evidence in a retrial.
Giggs consistently denied all allegations, stating he was "deeply relieved" by the outcome. His barrister, Chris Daw KC, told Manchester Crown Court: "The position is that he has always been innocent of these charges and there have been very many lies told about him."
Growing Pressure and Perceived Double Standards
More than two years since the withdrawal of evidence against him, there is mounting pressure to reconsider Giggs's Hall of Fame status. Critics point to what they see as a double standard, noting that other inductees have past criminal convictions or disciplinary issues.
Notable examples include:
- Eric Cantona, convicted for assault.
- Tony Adams, who served a prison sentence for drink-driving.
- John Terry, banned for four matches for racial abuse.
- Rio Ferdinand, suspended for eight months after missing a drugs test.
This has led some observers to question the consistency of the selection criteria, especially given Giggs's acquittal and unparalleled on-pitch achievements.
Giggs's Personal Stance and Selection Process
For his part, Giggs has previously downplayed the significance of the omission. In comments to the Daily Mail, he remarked: "It’s not something that I really think about. It’s been brought up a couple of times, and only then do I think about it. [The Hall of Fame] isn’t something you start in football to be in."
The Hall of Fame's selection process involves a public vote, a panel-determined shortlist, and final choices made by existing inductees. Recent additions have included Eden Hazard and Gary Neville.
When approached for comment, the Premier League did not address Giggs's case specifically. A spokesperson stated: "The Premier League Hall of Fame shortlist is selected at the discretion of the Premier League in consultation with members of the Premier League Awards Panel. The final inductees each year are determined by the existing members of the Hall of Fame."
The league added that the shortlist is reviewed annually, considering factors such as previous voting data, player eras, positions, and achievements. Eligibility begins upon a player's retirement from professional football.
