Is Ryan Giggs the Worst Ever Ambassador for International Women’s Day? His Shady Casino Ad Sparks Backlash
Posted on: March 9, 2026, 07:57h.
Last updated on: March 9, 2026, 07:59h.
- Ryan Giggs appears in International Women’s Day promotion for controversial casino.
- Critics question why gambling site chose scandal-hit soccer star.
- Campaign sparks backlash over tone-deaf marketing and Giggs’ past allegations.
Soccer legend Ryan Giggs has “hit an obscene new low,” according to UK media after sharing a promotional video on Instagram celebrating International Women’s Day on behalf of his sponsor, Asian-facing betting platform F168.
The former Manchester United and Wales winger was charged in April 2021 with controlling or coercive behavior and assault against his former partner Kate Greville and her sister.
Today, we celebrate the strength, beauty, and achievements of women everywhere,” Giggs, 52, said in the video, posted Sunday. “To all the amazing women in our community, keep shining and inspiring us all.
“Don’t forget to have some fun and games at F168,” he reminds us, referencing an online casino and betting platform that illegally targets Vietnamese users.
Online gambling for Vietnamese residents is generally prohibited unless it is specifically licensed by the Vietnamese government, and F168 isn’t.
Headbutt Denial
During a 2022 trial at Manchester Crown Court, Giggs denied prosecutors’ allegations that he headbutted Greville during a row at his home in Manchester, England. He also denied elbowing her sister in the jaw when she tried to intervene.
Greville testified that he engaged in coercive and controlling behavior throughout their relationship from 2017 to 2020, while having “full-on relationships” with eight women while they were together.
Giggs admitted under oath that he had sent Greville a stream of abusive texts and also that he had never been faithful in any of his previous relationships. That included his wife of ten years, Stacey Cooke, whom he cheated on with his brother’s wife.
The jury could not reach a verdict on any of the charges and a retrial was ordered. Prosecutors ultimately withdrew charges when Greville said she did not want to give evidence at a retrial.
Prosecutors concluded there was no realistic prospect of conviction without her testimony, adding the first trial had “taken its toll” on Greville and her sister.
Tarnished Reputation
Giggs, one of the greatest players of his generation and a pivotal figure in United’s1999 Treble-winning team, was manager of the Wales national team up until his arrest in November 2020.
He has struggled to reestablish himself in soccer, post-charges. The judge directed not-guilty verdicts after prosecutors dropped the case, but no jury ever ruled on whether the allegations were true.
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