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      New details emerge of major broadcast change that saw BBC land rights to huge football competition

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      NEW details around the Champions League’s broadcasting change have been revealed.The BBC will broadcast a weekly highlights show of Europe’s premier competition for the first time in the 2024/25 campaign.Three different channels will have Champions League rights in the UK this seasonCredit: The TimesAmazon also have the rights to first pick of the Tuesday matches, while TNT Sports continue to show the remainder of the games.And according to The Times, this season’s Champions League will see a 20 per cent increase in earnings for clubs taking part.A rise in the broadcasting rights and sponsorship income is set to mean a more lucrative competition for all those involved.That is despite the tournament expanding from 32 to 36 teams.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is understood the average earnings for Champions League teams last season was £54million – and £80m for English clubs.The increased revenue could be worth around £23m per year for English sides.Numbers from the 2022/23 season showed £114m in revenue for winners Manchester City, £81m for Chelsea, £71m Liverpool and £56m for Tottenham.A Uefa source claims the new Champions League format is the reason behind an increase in the price of broadcasting rights.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAll 36 teams will be in one league and play eight games, with the top eight automatically into the last 16 and ninth to 24th facing off in play-off ties.The source said: “There was declining interest in the old format, with some groups decided after only three or four rounds. The new format should keep the interest going much longer.”SunSport’s Latest Transfer HeadlinesThey also went on to add: “For the UK, we have highlights on the BBC for the first time, which is important to ensure greater eyeballs from free-to-air TV.”As well as a change in the number of teams and format, Uefa have also added two qualification spots for fifth place in Europe’s best performing leagues the previous season.For the 2024/25 campaign, this has seen Bologna and last year’s runners-up Borussia Dortmund secure places in the league stage.New Champions League formatEach club will play eight matches in the opening phase – against seeded opposition, in a system designed to ensure that teams play opponents of similar difficulty.The top eight teams in the “final” table will automatically go through to the last 16, where they will be joined by the eight play-off winners of ties between the sides placed ninth to 24th in the table.Despite there being just eight matches in the opening phase, European matches will be spread over 10 midweek slots.The new Champions League format also sees the implication of two additional qualifying spots.They will be awarded to the nations that are top of the “country coefficient” chart each season. More

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      Gary Lineker reveals Match of the Day ‘secret’ only BBC insiders know about

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      GARY LINEKER has revealed a secret of Match of the Day that only insiders know about.The MOTD host admitted that he does not always come up with the puns at the end of the show.Gary Lineker admitted he only writes half the puns at the end of the Match of the DayCredit: BBCLineker said ‘Wow Pedro’ for Joao Pedro’s winning goal against Man UnitedCredit: GettyMIcah Richards was not impressed by the punCredit: GettyLineker, 63, ended Saturday’s show with “Wow Pedro” as a nod to Brighton star Joao Pedro’s winning goal against Manchester United.The Brazilian forward headed the Seagull’s winner in the dying moments to hand Erik ten Hag’s first defeat of the season.The moment was met by pundit Micah Richards, who said, “Deary me”.Lineker was asked if he comes up with jokes while filming an episode of the Rest is Football podcast.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe admitted that he shares the responsibility with his editor after watching the day’s action.He said: “I’m going to share a little secret here.”Our editor Richard Hughes and myself have a disease, a thing that we can’t help but make dad jokes.”We basically come up with them together, 50 per cent of the time it will be him and 50 per cent of the time it will be me.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”We sit down at the end of all the games, and we figure out the best story to close the show.”We then think of some crappy and cheesy and occasionally funny pun.”Gary Lineker & Zoe Ball top BBC’s best-paid list – but scandal-hit Huw Edwards still in top 3Ultimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here.Lineker then insisted that “Wow Pedro” was one of his editor’s puns.He said: “Can I say that was not mine, that was Richard’s, we could not come up with anything better.”Richards then said: “Richard is normally amazing at the dad jokes at the end of it, but Wow Pedro.”I mean come on, deary, deary me.”Lineker then insisted: “I always think if you are going make it really really bad or really cheesy.”Because that in itself is fun.”Meanwhile, Match of the Day was rocked after the sacking of Jermaine Jenas.The former Tottenham midfielder also lost his presenting role on  The One show after the Beeb launched an investigation into allegations of “inappropriate behaviour”.It comes as Lineker’s future remains uncertain, with his lucrative BBC contract ending in 2025. READ MORE SUN STORIESAsked how long he’ll stay in the job, Lineker replied: “I don’t know. It depends how long they want me, I suppose.”I love doing it at the moment. I’ve still got another year left, at least.”Jermaine Jenas was sacked by the BBCCredit: PAWho are these famous footballers? More

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      My dad’s a former Premier League star and TV presenter – I’m making my own way after transfer to League One club

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      THE SON of a former Premier League star and TV host is forging his own career in football.Leo Castledine, 19, completed a loan transfer to Shrewsbury from Chelsea earlier this week.Leo Castledine has joined Shrewsbury on loan from ChelseaCredit: 2024 Crystal Pix/MB MediaThe attacking midfielder, who has already made his debut for the Blues after appearing in their Carabao Cup clash against Middlesbrough in January, is going on his first loan spell to continue his development.Having joined Chelsea’s academy from Wimbledon as an Under-15 star, he is described as “a player who has the ability to play box-to-box, he likes to create and score goals and is very tenacious in the tackle”.And he is now hoping to make waves in League One with the Shrews.Speaking to club media, Castledine – who has represented England Under-15, Under-16, Under-17 and Under-18 level – said: “I’m really excited to get going. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Obviously it’s my first loan in the men’s game but I’m ready to get going and just want to play.”(Shrewsbury) is a great club with a lot of history and I’m eager to get going and I can see a set up here where it’s going to work out and I’m going to get a lot of games and be able to help the team.”Manager Paul Hurst said of the deal: “We are really pleased because he’s one we’ve been looking at for a long time and initially we weren’t sure he’d be allowed to come out on loan.”There was also word that he may end up in the Championship, so we’re delighted to get him in and had to be patient on this one. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”He’s a player we think can add a lot to this squad. He’s a mature character who plays with maturity, enthusiasm, and has quality.”Castledine comes from Premier League stock, with his father Stewart Castledine starring for Wimbledon for nine years in the top flight.Premier League fathers and sonsCastledine senior, 51, had a ten-year career in professional football despite never being a regular player with the Dons.Following his playing career, Castledine Snr went straight into TV presenting.He hosted BBC One’s Big Strong Boys and Houses Behaving Badly over the course of seven years.Castledine also tried his hand at modelling for the likes of DKNY and Topman and in acting in the 2006 film Pink Panther.He has since had various directorial roles in sport, including eight years at Sports Revolution Ltd, and currently works at KIN Partners and a Football Commercial Director.Castledine is also married to TV presenter Lucy Alexander, with the pair having two children together, Leo and EastEnders actress Kitty.Stewart Castledine is a former BBC TV presenterCredit: RexHe starred for Wimbledon for nine yearsCredit: Getty Images – GettyCan you name the famous fathers? More

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      Jermaine Jenas will NOT work for TNT Sports this month after he is sacked by BBC over ‘unsolicited texts’

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      JERMAINE JENAS will NOT be working for TNT Sports this month following his axing from The BBC.SunSport exclusively revealed this week that the former Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and England midfielder has been fired from the national broadcaster due to alleged “inappropriate behaviour”.Jermaine Jenas has been axed by the BBC over alleged “inappropriate behaviour”Credit: GETTYJenas’ Beeb axing has raised questions over his future with TNT SportsCredit: PAJenas is currently not slated to be on TNT Sports for the next few weeksCredit: GettyJenas was sacked after a female member of staff on The One Show claimed she received “unsolicited texts” from the 41-year-old.The Beeb have launched a probe into the allegations, which have raised questions about his punditry duties with TNT.And according to The Mirror, TNT currently don’t have Jenas “pencilled in for games over the next few weeks”.TNT have yet to release a statement on the allegations made against Jenas, who was part of their broadcast team for Liverpool’s trip to Ipswich last Saturday.READ MORE ON JERMAINE JENASThe allegations against Jenas have likely ended his dream of succeeding Gary Lineker as Match of the Day host.Jenas’ axing comes just weeks after the Beeb announced an independent review into its workplace culture in light of the Strictly Come Dancing scandal.A well-placed source told The Sun: “This is a categorical nightmare for the BBC.”Complaints were raised concerning Jermaine’s behaviour.Most read in FootballJermaine Jenas is understood to be “devastated” by his BBC axingCredit: GETTY”After some immediate routine enquiries, the decision was taken to take him off air, and terminate his contract.”The BBC’s new Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski has been heavily involved in this whole process, and is adamant that his new house is firmly in order, and there are no skeletons.Jermaine Jenas SACKED by BBC from Match of the Day & The One Show over ‘inappropriate behaviour’”At present, the feeling is he won’t be back on the BBC.”Jenas was live on talkSPORT when news of his sacking broke, although he declined to provide an in-depth comment on his dismissal.The married dad-of-four said “I can’t really talk about it. As you can probably see, I’m not happy about it.”But currently as it stands I’m going to have to let the lawyers deal with it.”There’s two sides… that’s all I can say now.”The retired midfielder later added: “I’m not happy about this situation.”I’m going to be speaking to my lawyers about it, is all I can say right now.” More

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      BBC presenter stunned after seeing behind the scenes at Match of the Day studio with Gary Lineker

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      BBC presenter Matt Allwright was left shocked when given a behind the scenes tour of the Match of the Day set by Gary Lineker.The Beeb’s iconic football highlights show is celebrating its 60th anniversary this week.BBC presenter Matt Allwright was shocked when he saw the Match of the Day setCredit: BBCMatch of The Day is celebrating 60 years on airCredit: BBCGary Lineker has been hosting the show since 1999Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdLineker, who has hosted Match of the Day since 1999, was being interviewed by BBC colleague Allwright for a piece on the One Show about the historic moment.And the Leicester and England legend gave Allwright a tour of the studio, leaving him flabbergasted at what the set looks like in real life.Allwright claimed he “couldn’t get over” the fact almost the entire set is made up of GREEN SCREENS.Other than the pundits’ chairs and tables, everything is added in post-production with the set unrecognisable in person.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLineker is now in his 25th year as host of Match of the Day, having taken over from Des Lynam before the turn of the century.And the 63-year-old has said that his lengthy stint in the hot-seat has been “amazing”.Although he did cast doubt over his future on the show in an interview with BBC Breakfast, as he heads into the final year of his current deal with the free-to-air broadcaster.He said: “I don’t know [how long I’ll stay]! It depends how long they want me, I suppose.Most read in FootballThe set is actually entirely made of green screensCredit: BBCThe behind the scenes shots makes the studio look unrecognisableCredit: BBCPresenters can see what the viewers see on a screen in front of themCredit: BBCBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I love doing it at the moment; I’ve still got another year left, at least.”So we’ll have to wait and see what happens. Obviously it’s another change in football and television and the rights of the Premier League and stuff like that.Gary Lineker reveals how his views on Match of the Day can sometimes get him into trouble “All of these things will play a part. But I just feel it’s been an absolute privilege to have presented it for 25 years now. I must be getting old!”Lineker has already been snubbed for the BBC’s new Champions League highlights show that begins this season.Instead, Gabby Logan is reportedly set to be the head presenter for the new European football show.Whether he leaves or not, Lineker will have left his mark on the show – not least because many viewers will have never seen Match of the Day without the former Barcelona bagsman.But also because he actually helped transform the show’s format back in 2004 with a crucial tweak to the BBC’s coverage.The Beeb had lost the rights to show Premier League highlights to broadcasting rival ITV in 2001.So when they regained the rights in 2004, at the end of ITV’s three-year contract, Lineker wanted to “stop fans moaning” about the coverage.The Three Lions icon asked if the show could provide highlights for EVERY Prem match, something it had not been doing previously.He explained: “When it came back, when we got the rights back, I said, ‘Is there any way we could show all the games?’READ MORE SUN STORIES”We found a way of doing it and I thought, ‘Right, we finally won’t get people moaning that they’re never on Match of the Day’.”But of course then it becomes about where they are on Match of the Day, on the running order! ‘We’re always last’.”Lineker hosted the show in his boxers after losing a wager when Leicester won the title in 2016Lineker earns a pretty penny for his work on Match of the Day More

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      Gary Lineker reveals how he changed Match of the Day forever with tweak to ‘stop people moaning’

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      GARY LINEKER has revealed the tweak he made to Match of the Day that has changed the show forever.Lineker, 63, has been hosting the nation’s beloved football highlights show since 1999.Gary Lineker has revealed the tweak he made that changed Match of the Day foreverCredit: AlamyLineker has been hosting the iconic show since 1999Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe England legend has become synonymous with the programme since he started hosting some 25 years ago, with many football fans never experiencing the show without the former Leicester ace.Lineker hasn’t just put his own spin on the show with his presenting style though, but also with a tweak he helped the BBC make back in 2004.The BBC had lost the rights to show Premier League highlights to broadcasting rival ITV in 2001. So when they regained the rights in 2004, at the end of ITV’s three-year contract, Lineker wanted to “stop fans moaning” about the coverage.READ MORE ON GARY LINEKERThe former Barcelona bagsman asked if the show could provide highlights for EVERY Prem match, something it had not been doing previously.Speaking on BBC Breakfast this week, Lineker revealed: “When it came back, when we got the rights back, I said, ‘Is there any way we could show all the games?’”We found a way of doing it and I thought, ‘Right, we finally won’t get people moaning that they’re never on Match of the Day’.”Since 2004 every Premier League match has been squeezed into the show so that fans up and down the country can catch up with how their side got on.Most read in FootballLineker hosted the show in his boxers after losing a wager when Leicester won the title in 2016BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut Lineker didn’t stop all the moaning, with the Beeb’s star presenter revealing that people now whinge about where their team is placed in the programme’s running order.He joked: “But of course then it becomes about where they are on Match of the Day, on the running order! ‘We’re always last’.”SunSport’s Latest Transfer HeadlinesLineker also described the role as Match of the Day presenter as the “toughest” show he’s ever been apart of.However, he is certainly compensated handsomely for his hard work, after the BBC revealed that the retired footballer is the company’s best-paid sports star.Lineker pockets a whopping £1.35MILLION per year, that’s more than TRIPLE what BBC Sport’s second highest earner, Alan Shearer, is getting paid for his role.Although Lineker may not be on the payroll for too much longer as he cast doubt over his future with the company as he heads into the final year of his contract this season.He said: “I don’t know [how long I’ll stay]! It depends how long they want me, I suppose.”I love doing it at the moment; I’ve still got another year left, at least.”So we’ll have to wait and see what happens. Obviously it’s another change in football and television and the rights of the Premier League and stuff like that.”All of these things will play a part. But I just feel it’s been an absolute privilege to have presented it for 25 years now. I must be getting old!”READ MORE SUN STORIESLineker has already been snubbed for the BBC’s new Champions League highlights show that begins this season.Instead, Gabby Logan is reportedly set to be the head presenter for the new European football show.Lineker has just one year remaining on his contract at the BBCCredit: BBCThe salaries of BBC Sport presenters and pundits More

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      Frank Lampard lands new job following BBC Euro 2024 role and 15 months after Chelsea exit

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      FRANK LAMPARD can’t stay away from football despite leaving his last role as a manager some 15 months ago.The Chelsea and England legend has landed himself a new job as a pundit for the Champions League.Frank Lampard has landed a role as a pundit for Amazon Prime’s Champions League coverageCredit: GettyLampard will join a whole host of other former players as part of Amazon Prime’s brand new coverage of the Champions League.The 46-year-old, who won the European competition during his career, will form part of a stellar cast for the global broadcaster alongside the likes of Clarence Seedorf, Daniel Sturridge and Gael Clichy.While Gabby Logan is set to head up the coverage with Premier League legend Alan Shearer joining the team as a commentator.Lampard won’t be out of his depth in front of the camera, after playing a part in the BBC’s coverage in Euro 2024 this summer too.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 106-time England international is yet to find a new managerial role in football after leaving Chelsea in June last year.Lampard took charge of just 11 games in his second stint as Blues boss after coming in as caretaker manager following the sacking of Graham Potter.Lampard, who has also held roles with Derby and Everton, has been outspoken about wanting a return to the dugout at some point.And BBC colleague Gary Lineker has even suggested he could be the right fit for the biggest job of all – the next England manager.Most read in FootballAmazon Prime Video Champions League TeamPresenter: Gabby LoganCommentators: Jon Champion, Alan ShearerReporters: Gabriel Clark, Alex AljoePundits: Clarence Seedorf, Daniel Sturridge, Frank Lampard, Josephine Henning, Laura Georges, Gael ClichyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSpeaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Lineker said: “I wouldn’t disregard Frank Lampard [as Gareth Southgate’s replacement]. “I think he tactically gets it. I think the players would respect him immediately.BBC pundit tipped to replace Gareth Southgate as England manager after Euro 2024″Maybe I’m getting ahead of myself here but if you’re going to go English you think who else? Eddie Howe maybe?”FA chiefs are still searching for a permanent replacement for Gareth Southgate following his decision to step down after the summer’s Euro 2024 heartbreak.Former U21s boss Lee Carsley has been handed the job on an interim basis and will take charge of the Three Lions’ upcoming Nations League clashes against Ireland and Finland.Lampard has already admitted he is “looking to get back” into management at some point in the near future.Speaking to TalkSPORT back in March, he said: “I’m enjoying being with the family and looking to get back at some point.”Hopefully something comes up that feels right for me, I’m keen to get working again but as I reiterate, I’m enjoying family life.“It’s an intense job so when you’re out of it, it’s nice to appreciate being around all my children.READ MORE SUN STORIES“You love the job. you understand the rigours of it in the modern day. I’ve enjoyed all the clubs I’ve worked with.“They’ve all been big challenges for different reasons. I enjoy working with players, improve players and the team, so let’s see what comes.”Gareth Southgate vs Frank Lampard managerial recordFrank LampardDerby County May 2018 – July 2019P57 W24 D17 L16 Win percentage 42.1%Chelsea July 2019 – January 2021P84 W44 D17 L23 Win percentage 52.4%Everton January 2022 – January 2023P44 W12 D17 L24 Win percentage 27.3%Chelsea (caretaker) April 2023 – May 2023P11 W1 D2 L8 Win percentage 9.1%Overall: P288 W132 D72 L16 Win Percentage 45.83%Gareth SouthgateMiddlesbrough June 2006 – October 2009P151 W45 D43 L63 Win percentage 29.8%England U21 August 2013 – September 2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage 72.97%England September 2016 – PresentP110 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage 60%Overall: P156 W81 D44 L71 Win Percentage 41.3% More

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      Chelsea fans slam ‘weak wrists’ Robert Sanchez as ‘Kepa regen’ after keeper’s howler against Man City

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      CHELSEA fans are worried they have another goalkeeping flop on their hands.The Blues were chasing an equaliser against Manchester City when former midfielder Mateo Kovacic let loose from range.Robert Sanchez was close to keeping out Mateo Kovacic’s effortCredit: AFPThe Spaniard was beaten twice as Man City wonCredit: GettyMateo Kovacic stung his former clubCredit: ReutersHis effort gave City a 2-0 lead but Robert Sanchez got a hand on it and probably should have kept it out.Chelsea fans on social media saw shades of Kepa Arrizabalaga in the ex-Brighton keeper, 26.One wrote: “Sanchez has weaker wrists than Kepa. Wasn’t even a hard shot!”A second added: “no WAY we have a kepa regen.”READ MORE CHELSEA NEWAA third said: “How many times did this club need to see Robert Sanchez be absolutely diabolical to realise he was absolutely diabolical. It actually boils my blood. He’s terrible, he’s a calamity. GET HIM OUT.”A fourth fumed: “No manager who starts Robert Sanchez in 2024 gets sympathy from me.”Chelsea were second best for long periods at Stamford Bridge and it was no surprise to see Erling Haaland give City the lead.Nicolas Jackson thought he had netted an equaliser but saw his effort chalked off for offside.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd after a decent second-half spell for the Blues, City took control again and Kovacic settled the contest.Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca told BBC Match of the Day: “The performance was good and we competed against the best team in the world. Robert Sanchez shows off his unbelievable reflexes in Spain training “We played well and created chances. The biggest difference was inside the box and how they managed the ball at the end, they are a master. “We don’t like to lose games but the performance was good.”We can for sure improve many things, we’ve been together for just six weeks. “At the same moment, we liked to analyse the game and we tried to play football and create chances. It’s not easy but we did well.”It’s always tough because many of them deserve to play from the start. “We have another game soon so they have chances to play for sure.” More