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    FA Cup announce huge broadcast change with major free-to-air channel losing rights

    BBC SPORT has been confirmed as the free-to-air broadcaster for the new four-year FA Cup contract.Wembley chiefs came under fire in February when it was announced that TNT Sports had won the main rights from 2025-26 in a deal believed to be worth £130m per year.The BBC have won the rights to show the FA Cup alongside TNT Sports from the 2025/26 season onwardsCredit: GettyITV have lost the rights to show the historic competitionCredit: GettyBut that agreement came with a guarantee that the pay-network would find a terrestrial partner.And it has now been confirmed that – as expected – TNT will partner with the Beeb to ensure fans can watch key matches including the final without a subscription.ITV – who have been showing live games alongside the BBC for the past few years – will now lose their rights from the 2025/26 season onwards.The new agreement will see 14 games screened live on the BBC while also being shown by TNT.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat will mean two games from the first round through to the last eight, one semi-final and the FA Cup Final all available free to air.TNT will have exclusive access to the other semi-final, with all the matches from the third round onwards not kicking off during the Saturday 3pm blackout window also available on the network.FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: “We are delighted that the BBC will continue as one of our Emirates FA Cup broadcast partners, under this new deal with TNT Sports.“It was always our intention to ensure that this very special competition would be accessible for everyone.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”And this new broadcast partnership will enable fans to see more of its matches live than ever before from the start of the 2025-26 season, across both TNT Sports and free-to-air on the BBC.“The BBC has told many of the magical and memorable stories that only the Emirates FA Cup can create, and we look forward to making even more history together in the years ahead.”Man Utd Wags to pay for their trip to FA Cup final While BBC and ITV share coverage under the current contract which runs to the end of next season, the Beeb previously shared rights with TNT’s predecessor BT Sport for four years until 2021.Phil Bernie, BBC’s interim director of sport, said: “The BBC has a proud history of bringing fans across the nation together for all the magic and drama of the Emirates FA Cup.“This partnership for the next four years is brilliant news and, alongside our recent Premier League extension and UEFA Champions League highlights coming this year, means that BBC Sport will deliver fans top class analysis, commentary and coverage of the biggest football competitions free to air and accessible for all.”TNT’s Trojan Paillot added: “TNT Sports will broadcast every single game outside of 3pm kick-offs, starting from the first round, ensuring fans can watch more of the Emirates FA Cup than ever before all in one place.“Our ambition is to make more of the live Emirates FA Cup action available to fans than ever before, so the BBC are an outstanding partner to ensure that alongside more games we also make the competition as widely available as possible.”The FA Cup final will still be shown on terrestrial TVCredit: PA More

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    Alex Scott looks stunning in bold see-through outfit as BBC football presenter makes statement on Baftas red carpet

    ALEX SCOTT put sport in the driving seat at the Baftas with a racy red-carpet display.The BBC football presenter chose a see-through, backless beige dress for the prestigious small-screen awards night at London’s Royal Festival Hall.Alex Scott found another winning outfitCredit: PAThe broadcaster shone at the BaftasCredit: RexAlex showed she’s still as toned as at her peak as a footballerCredit: RexThe former Lionesses and Arsenal right-back, 39, has become one of the Beeb’s biggest names on social media.But unlike fellow Match of the Day broadcaster Gary Lineker, it’s more for her glamorous images than hard-hitting opinions.And in recent months she’s also shared regular snaps with her partner, singer Jess Glynne, including from exotic locations on holiday.This time she dazzled with long, gold-coloured ear-rings, with her hair tied back in a bun and auburn eye make-up.READ MORE TOP STORIESPosing with the ease of a model, Alex looked confident and in control – just like she did in defence for the Gunners, the Boston Breakers and the England women’s team.Among other sport-linked celebrities at the TV awards was BBC Radio One presenter Mollie King, the fiancée of Ashes’ cricket legend Stuart Broad.It’s thought the ex-England paceman missed the night to look after the couple’s 16-month-old daughter Annabella.Meanwhile, Alex seems ever more comfortable in the spotlight.Most read in FootballMollie King, who is engaged to England cricket icon Stuart Broad, also shimmered at the TV awards in LondonCredit: GettyAlex Scott wore an equally-daring, and bra-less, outfit at the GQ Men of the Year awards last NovemberCredit: GettyAlex is used to whipping up a frenzy on the red carpetCredit: PAShe went nearly topless in a photoshoot for Women’s Health UK.And with the same magazine she spoke freely about her relationship with 34-year-old songwriter Jess.The Power Players: Celebrating Two Decades of Inspirational SportswomenFor those pics, the 140-cap ex-player showed her long curly hair – prompting a flame emoji from Jess amid a wave of compliments from fans.Praise included words she got used to during her trophy-winning days on the pitch and now regularly attracts from behind the camera.”Sensational scenes,” posted one admirer simply.BAFTA TV Awards 2024 winners
    Best Supporting Actress
    WINNER: Jasmine Jobson, Topboy, Netflix
    Best Supporting Actor
    WINNER: Matthew MacFadyen, Succession, Sky Atlantic
    Best Entertainment
    WINNER: Strictly Come Dancing, BBC One
    Comedy Entertainment Programme
    WINNER: Rob & Romesh Vs, Sky Max
    Short Form 
    WINNER: Mobility, BBC Three
    Specialist Factual
    WINNER: White Nanny, Black Child, Channel 5
    Factual
    WINNER: Lockerbie, Sky Documentaries
    Reality Series
    WINNER: Squid Game: The Challenge, Netflix
    Sports coverage 
    WINNER Cheltenham Festival Day One, ITV1
    Male Performance in a Comedy
    WINNER: Mawaan Rowan, Juice, BBC Three
    Female Performance in a Comedy
    WINNER: Gbemisola Ikemelo, Black Ops, BBC One
    Limited Drama
    WINNER: The Sixth Commandment, BBC One
    Current Affairs
    WINNER: This World: The Shamima Begum Story, BBC Two
    News Coverage
    WINNER: Sky News, Israel and Hamas at War
    International
    WINNER: Class Act, Netflix
    Daytime TV
    WINNER: Scam Interceptors, BBC One
    Soap
    WINNER: Casualty, BBC One
    Factual Entertainment
    WINNER: Celebrity Race Across the World, BBC One
    TV moment of the Year
    WINNER Happy Valley’s Final Showdown, BBC One
    Single documentary
    WINNER: Ellie Simmonds – Finding my Secret Family – ITV1

    Alex was seen sharing a kiss with Jess as they went public with their romanceCredit: PAThe former right-back won 140 England Women’s capsCredit: Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards and Attitude magazine – on sale nowIt’s understood she began dating singer Jess Glynne last yearCredit: RexAt Halloween Alex dressed as a less-than-friendly clownCredit: Instagram @alexscott2Scott loves to dress up and went to town on Halloween with this incredible outfitCredit: GettyScott was awarded an MBE in 2017Credit: PAShe attended Wimbledon with partner JessCredit: Getty More

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    BBC presenter Emma Louise Jones has brilliant response to being plastered over Leeds fan’s ‘creepy’ bed covers

    EMMA LOUISE JONES produced a brilliant response to a Leeds fan’s “creepy” bed covers.The BBC presenter is often lauded for her looks on social media and has built up a loyal following of fans.Emma Louise Jones came up with a witty comeback to a fan’s ‘creepy’ bedsheetsCredit: INSTAGRAM @eljonesukOne Leeds supporter designed their bed covers with photos of the BBC presenterBut one fan took his admiration for Jones a bit too far, designing bed covers plastered with the presenter’s face.The sheets were also decorated with Leeds crests and the slogan: “All Leeds aren’t we.”But another supporter was not too fond of the covers, calling them “rather creepy”.However Jones did not seem to mind as she quipped: “Do I get a discount?”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJones, 34, often amuses on social media and earlier this season trolled rival Manchester United fans by crying over her hotel room view of Old Trafford.The Leeds diehard often uses social media to show off in different outfits, often wowing her 420,000 Instagram followers.Last month she was labelled the “UK’s most beautiful woman” by one fan after dazzling in a low-cut black dress.Jones recently shared a video of herself trying her hand at MMA.Most read in FootballAfter the session, she wrote: “I’m not sure I’ll ever be an MMA fighter after this training session.”When Jones is at work she can be found on the BBC or presenting Leeds TV.BBC presenter Emma Louise Jones mocks fan who sent her creepy X-rated message in hilarious ‘DM Helpline’ clipEmma Louise Jones is a popular BBC sports presenterCredit: Instagram / @eljonesukJones covers rugby league for the BBC alongside other sportsCredit: Twitter / @eljonesukJones had put together a strong social media game and can boast over a quarter of a million followersCredit: Instagram / @eljonesukJones loves to share glam pics with her legion of followersCredit: instagramJones’ posts attract a lot of engagement from her followersCredit: Instagram, @eljones90 More

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    EFL club granted permission to build new 16,000-seater stadium on 250-YEAR deal.. with shock plan for current ground

    OXFORD UNITED have been granted permission to build a new 16,000-seater ground on a staggering 250-year deal.According to BBC Radio Oxford Sport, the U’s and Oxfordshire County Council have signed the legally binding agreement on a lease at Triangle site near Kidlington.Oxford United have been granted permission to build a new 16,000-seater stadiumCredit: XThe club, though, must honour pledges to the community on social, environmental and economic benefits. And the agreement currently hinges on planning permission being granted by Cherwell District Council.This comes after recent news suggesting Oxford’s current ground the Kassam Stadium will become a driving school for kids.Parts of the Kassam are set to be transformed into a realistic road for learner drivers to practice on.Read More on FootballYoung Driver will change a section of the club’s car park into a road equipped with roundabouts, junctions as well as traffic signs.It will also include areas for prospective drivers – some of whom will be as young as 10 – to practice on their manoeuvres.And the EFL club is now set to be on the move within the next few years.An excerpt of a club statement read last month: “Our focus is on securing the long-term future of Oxford United and delivering on our commitments to the Oxfordshire community.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”The Heads of Terms being agreed is another step towards that ambition.”We’re delighted Oxfordshire County Council has also given an undertaking to sign the remaining key legal and partnership agreements this week.EFL fans in hysterics as ‘absolutely golden’ Neil Warnock returns to live TV with brutal dig at his former players “This shows the club has met the council’s criteria and addressed their strategic priorities.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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    ‘I don’t care what he thinks’, says Gary Lineker as he lifts lid on frosty relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson

    GARY LINEKER has admitted that he “does not care” what Sir Alex Ferguson thinks of him.The two appear to have a frosty relationship as the former England star claimed that Ferguson was a “bit anti-BBC”.Gary Lineker did not get on ‘great’ with Sir Alex FergusonCredit: The Mega AgencyLineker claimed that Fergie had said a few ‘jibes’ about himCredit: GettyLineker, 63, has previously admitted that he rejected advances from Ferguson to join Manchester United twice during his career.And after being asked to rank Pep Guardiola, Bobby Robson and Ferguson, Lineker admitted he did not care about upsetting the Scot.Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker said: “Somebody came up to me last night.”You know, sometimes at auctions, people can buy Match of the Day items, and they get a tour.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”We had four guys last night and one of them said ‘I love the podcast, I have one for you, Sir Alex Ferguson, Pep Guardiola or Bobby Robson?'”I thought to myself, I could not possibly get rid of Bobby Robson; I just wouldn’t.”So I thought I would go Pep Guardiola, Bobby Robson and Sir Alex Ferguson.”Cause I never got on with him [Ferguson] anyway so I don’t care what he thinks.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCo-podcaster and former Manchester City star Micah Richards then asked Lineker: “You never got on with the great Sir Alex Ferguson?”Lineker responded: “No, he has had a few jibes at me in the past.Hoddle said ‘I never want to be put in that position again’ after ‘awkward’ call from Man Utd icon Sir Alex Ferguson”He is a bit anti-BBC, I think. Anyway, it is water under the bridge.”In 2021, Lineker admitted he regretted having a feud with the iconic manager.He said: “I’m a forgiving soul and I sense that Sir Alex, er, isn’t… We’ve got history. We’ve fallen out a few times over the years, silly little things really.”It started with a magazine interview. I was at the BBC and I was talking about managers getting the hump after games, talking in general terms about the pressures and the fact they get paranoid and think we’re all against them.”And then they asked me about Sir Alex and I talked about him.”But in the piece all those quotes were stuck together, so it made it look as if it was all about Sir Alex. So I saw it and thought, ‘Oh no, f****** hell’ — so I wrote to him. Old school.”Tried to explain it and that I was sorry it had come out wrong. He wrote back with two lines that basically said: I don’t believe you.”And then he did a long interview with Sir David Frost and I was watching it at home and Frost brought it up, the magazine interview. And Sir Alex was saying, ‘Oh yeah, he’s not whiter than white like they all think, he’s got super-injunctions all over the place’.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And I’m sitting there thinking, ‘What? My God, you can’t say that. It’s not true, it’s not even close’.”And I got a sort of begrudging, Sir Alex-type apology. And I could have gone down the legal route because it was bad.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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    BBC Final Score host tells former Premier League star ‘concentrate on the game’ on live TV

    FINAL SCORE host Jason Mohammad had to tell Leon Osman to “concentrate on the game” live on BBC.Former Everton star Osman featured on the show as a pitchside commentator at the Sheffield United vs Nottingham Forest game.Jason Mohammad had to tell Leon Osman to ‘concentrate’ on his gameCredit: BBCOsman was pitchside at the Sheffield United vs Nottingham Forest game but took a chance to call out Shay GivenCredit: Action Images – ReutersIt came after Given called a decision to give a penalty to Everton against Luton ‘soft’Credit: GettyHowever, Osman had been tuning in to hear Shay Given criticise the decision to award a penalty to Everton during their game against Luton last night.Jarrad Branthwaite was judged to have been pulled down in the area by Teden Mengi before Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored the subsequent penalty in the 1-1 draw.But speaking on Football Focus before todays 3pm Premier League games began, former Newcastle and Manchester City goalkeeper had called the penalty decision “soft”.When the broadcast went over to Osman after Callum Hudson-Odoi scored his first goal of the game for Forest, the ex-Toffees man took the chance to call out Given.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “Jason I just wanted to say to Shay it was a definite penalty kick last night for Everton against Luton I heard you just saying that it wasn’t so I just wanted to pull him on that before I go.”This led to chuckles back in the studio, with host Mohammad then cheekily replying: “Can we get Leon Osman to concentrate on his own game please.”He added: “[Is there] Anyway we can lose Leon Osman?”Mohammad then rounded the exchange off by saying: “Fantastic, great stuff you two.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOsman played 433 times for Everton, scoring 58 goals and adding 38 assists.Meanwhile, 48-year-old Given played more than 450 games for Newcastle and won the FA Cup as a goalkeeper at Manchester City.The Irish goalkeeper also won the Premier League with Blackburn in 1995.Everton’s result against Luton last night left Luton one point adrift in the relegation zone, while Everton aim to hunt down Crystal Palace who are in 14th in the table.Where the Soccer Saturday stars are now More

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    BBC in major broadcast change with new midweek Match of the Day-style show to begin next season

    FANS can watch free midweek highlights of the newly-enlarged Champions League on the BBC over the next three seasons.European football’s top domestic competition jumps from 32 to 36 clubs from 2024-25, meaning a rise from 125 games to 189.The Champions League won’t just be pay for view from 2024-25Credit: RexThe Beeb is gearing up to show Wednesday-night highlightsCredit: GettyThe Beeb are “simply thrilled” by their three-year deal with Uefa for a Match of the Day-style show.TNT Sports are losing exclusive rights – but will still show 533 of the 550 live games.Amazon Prime Video will now grab some live action from next term.However, TNT Sports are retaining their exclusivity for the Europa League and Europa Conference League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut it’s the BBC access to the Champions League that might excite fans most.The highlights package will be available on TV, iPlayer and online.The Beeb’s Director of Sport Barbara Slater has previously said: “We are simply thrilled to have won these rights.”Our reach and ability to bring people together is unrivalled.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”We couldn’t be more delighted that Uefa has recognised the value in our ability to bring the Champions League to the widest possible audience across the UK.”This package of highlights and digital content will allow football fans to follow the Champions League, wherever and however they like.Meet Eva Murati, the Albanian Laura Woods who is glamorous Champions League presenter and lingerie model”The Champions League is a wonderful addition to our portfolio of football output on the BBC and we can’t wait to get started in 2024.” For their part, Uefa have bigged up the Beeb’s international standing for covering sport.Guy-Laurent Epstein, marketing director of European football’s rulers, said: “The BBC brand is synonymous with premium sport.”He too was “thrilled” the Beeb will provide “Wednesday highlights for the very first time”.Uefa’s overall broadcasting deal for 2024-27 will rake in around £1.45bilion – a hefty 20% increase on the current £1.2bn arrangement.Our beautiful game is broken, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
    WHEN Manchester United got lucky in their FA Cup semi-final, Antony’s first instinct was to goad heartbroken opponents Coventry. To rub their noses in the dirt.
    Antony seems to be a vile individual but this isn’t really about Antony. Because Antony is merely a symptom of the hideous sickness within England’s top flight.
    There is so much wrong.
    After our elite clubs persuaded the FA to completely scrap Cup replays — which gave us Ronnie Radford and Ricky Villa and Ryan Giggs — without due recompense or reasoning with the rest of English football.
    The previous day, after his Manchester City side had defeated Chelsea in the other FA Cup semi-final, Pep Guardiola whinged about the fixture scheduling of TV companies who effectively pay much of his £20m salary.
    Up at Wolves, Guardiola’s friend and rival Mikel Arteta was playing the same sad song about fixture congestion, despite his Arsenal side having played two fewer games this season than Coventry — who don’t have £50m squad players to rotate with.
    Chelsea, oh Chelsea. The one-time plaything of a Russian oligarch now owned by financially incontinent venture capitalists who have piddled £1billion on a squad of players who fight like weasels in a sack about who should bask in the personal glory of scoring the penalty that puts them 5-0 up against Everton.
    Read Dave Kidd’s full column as he takes aim at Nottingham Forest, Fulham’s ticket prices, the 39th game, VAR and much more… More

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    Major broadcasting change with Champions League to be shown on new channel in UK for first time in nine years

    FOOTBALL fans will only just be realising a huge change to next season’s Champions League coverage in the UK.TNT Sports have had the rights to Europe’s premier competition since 2015 – with the tournament having previously been shown on ITV and Sky Sports.Two new broadcasters will show Champions League football next seasonCredit: GettyThe Champions League schedule for the 2024/25 seasonThey have held exclusive rights to all live fixtures and highlights since 2018, but that is set to change next season after a pair of deals were struck back in 2022.Amazon Prime will broadcast 17 Champions League matches on Tuesday nights.And there will also be a free-to-air option for UK viewers for the first time in nearly a decade.That is because the BBC will show a Match of the Day-style highlights programme on Wednesdays as part of a three-year deal with Uefa.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt means the Champions League, which is changing format from the 2024/25 campaign onwards, will be broadcast on the BBC for the first time since 1994.Europa League and Europa Conference League coverage will remain exclusively on TNT Sports.The Champions League will expand from 32 to 36 teams next season, with eight group-stage matches rather than six.One league consisting of all 36 teams will result in the top eight automatically reaching the knockout stages.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThose who place between ninth and 24th will then play a two-legged showdown to fill the remaining positions.But clashes with domestic fixtures threaten to create a chaotic schedule.Major broadcasting change as Kate Abdo reveals Jamie Carragher’s CBS Sports Champions League replacementTeams face the potential of THREE midweek clashes between Champions League and Carabao Cup fixtures. More