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    TV giants set to disappear from sports broadcasting after more than a DECADE

    BT SPORT could be set to disappear from football broadcasting after more than a DECADE.BT is in advanced talks to sell its 50 per cent stake in UK broadcaster TNT Sports to US joint venture partner Warner Bros Discovery, according to the Financial Times. BT Sport could be set to disappear from football broadcastingCredit: GettyIt would end BT’s involvement in sports broadcasting after more than ten years, having entered the market in 2012.Warner Bros Discovery are said to have an option to buy out BT before the end of next year. Striking a deal will give the US media giant better control over the future of the sporting channels – which key for its business in Europe.BT and WBD declined to comment to FT. READ MORE IN football TNT channels — which have the rights to some exclusive Premier League football games — have been identified as non-core by BT chief executive Allison Kirkby.Kirkby has instead looked to refocus the company on its traditional mobile and broadband offering.TNT Sports was created after BT merged its sports division with Warner Bros Discovery’s Eurosport UK business in 2022.The company has a four-year contract to air 52 live Prem matches per season until 2029 and a four-year deal to show the FA Cup from 2025. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWarner Bros Discovery (WBD) are rebranding streaming service Max – already live in a number of European countries – back to HBO Max this summer.And it will also set to launch in the UK and Ireland by 2026. How Europa League final will be decided – four key Man Utd vs Tottenham tactical battlesThe HBO Max streaming service is due to incorporate content and live streams currently on Discovery+, including TNT Sports.  More

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    Eni Aluko left off punditry duty for all three Uefa finals after Ian Wright row as full TNT Sports line-up revealed

    ENI ALUKO will not feature as a pundit for any of the European finals following her public bust-up with Ian Wright.The former England Women’s star insinuated some male pundits, like Wright, risked blocking opportunities for women by taking up space in women’s sports.Eni Aluko will not feature for TNT Sports in any of the three European finalsCredit: PAAluko apologised to Ian Wright after insinuating he risked blocking opportunities for female punditsCredit: AlamyWright subsequently rejected Aluko’s apology, stating he felt upset given the support he has shown her in the past.Now Aluko has been left off punditry duty by TNT Sports, so will not feature at the Champions League final, nor the Europa League and Conference League finals.Aluko, 38, has appeared regularly as a pundit on Conference League matches featuring her former side Chelsea.She provided analysis for matches against Panathinaikos, Noah, and Copenhagen, but will be absent for Chelsea’s final clash with Real Betis.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAluko has also been used by TNT Sports for Premier League and WSL matches this season, but last worked on March 27.Since then she’s had a fall out with Wright after suggesting there is a “finite amount of opportunities” for women and “men need to be aware of that”.Aluko later said sorry after receiving a lot of backlash for her comments, but Wright said he could not accept her apology.He said: “I’m very disappointed by what Eni has said.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”She knows how I have helped her and supported her publicly, and I know the previous conversations she’s had with me and my management.”I’ve seen the apology on social media, but I can’t accept it, but I also want to move on from it. I don’t need any further social commentary directed at anyone.”Ian Wright says he ‘cannot accept’ Eni Aluko’s apology as Arsenal legend responds over women’s football punditry rowTNT Sports have confirmed their punditry and commentary line-ups for all three finals, with Peter Crouch also left off the roster for all three.Instead Rio Ferdinand will appear twice, including the Champions League final where he will be joined by Karen Carney and Owen Hargreaves.The former Manchester United star will be in attendance to see the Red Devils take on Tottenham in Bilbao – ex-Spurs hero Gareth Bale will be there for TNT Sports alongside Glenn Hoddle, Robbie Savage and Paul Scholes.Michail Antonio, Joe Cole, and Steve Sidwell have been picked for the Europa Conference League final.SunSport has contacted TNT Sports for comment.TNT Sports’ European finals teamsChampions League: Paris Saint-Germain vs Inter Milan – May 31Presenters: Reshmin Chowdhury & Laura WoodsPundits: Karen Carney, Rio Ferdinand, Owen HargreavesCommentary: Darren Fletcher & Ally McCoistReporter: Jules BreachEuropa League: Tottenham vs Manchester United – May 21Presenters: Jules Breach & Lynsey HipgravePundits: Gareth Bale, Rio Ferdinand, Glenn Hoddle, Robbie Savage, Paul ScholesCommentary: Darren Fletcher & Ally McCoistReporter: Danny JamiesonEuropa Conference League: Chelsea vs Real Betis – May 28Presenter: Emma DoddsPundits: Michail Antonio, Joe Cole, Steve SidwellCommentary: Adam Summerton & Lucy WardReporter: Becky IvesRio Ferdinand will be a pundit at two European finals for TNT SportsCredit: PA More

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    ‘I thought I was minutes away from lights out’ – Rio Ferdinand breaks silence on horror bug that put him in hospital

    RIO FERDINAND has opened up about the health issue that left him hospitalised last week, revealing he thought he was close to “lights out”.The former Manchester United defender spent days in hospital and was forced to miss his punditry duties with TNT Sports.Rio Ferdinand has opened up about the health issue that left him hospitalisedCredit: PAThe former defender shared an update from his hospital bed last weekCredit: https://x.com/rioferdy5Ferdinand, 46, was set to provide analysis of Arsenal’s visit to Paris Saint-Germain before acting as co-commentator as United reached the Europa League final.Instead he was forced to watch on from a hospital bed and updated fans on his condition by sharing a photo of himself with his thumbs up.That was the aftermath of a serious ordeal for the former England defender, who had been suffering from a horrific stomach bug.The “crazy” illness left Ferdinand vomiting while he also experienced migraines and vertigo, making him feel like the “lights were out”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said on his show, Rio Ferdinand Presents: “I had a mad virus. I thought lights were out at some point, I thought it was gonna happen. I thought I was minutes away from lights out, seriously.”I was in my house, I was in my bed like this [pained expression] and I couldn’t even open my eyes.”Then, the headache I had… I don’t get migraines or nothing else so I don’t know what they’re like. I thought my head was in a vice and my eyes were going to pop out.”Then, I was being sick, projectile vomiting in the toilet, I got back to bed and I was having vertigo. I was holding onto the sheets, I didn’t know where I was. It was crazy.”Most read in FootballFerdinand also revealed he went into a state of panic after doctors told him he would need a brain scan.He was even offered an ambulance, making the ex-England star even more nervous.Rio Ferdinand calls out Roy Keane and Gary Neville’s takes on Man Utd vs Man City Ferdinand continued: “I had to go to hospital and the doctor even said to me, “Do you want an ambulance”? So that’s when I knew.”He went, ‘We’re going to get your brain scanned’. I thought it was a virus or a flu or something so when he mentioned brain scan and the ambulance, the panic was nuts.”I went to hospital and I was in there for a few days. I couldn’t even enjoy the hospital food. The soup and the ice cream normally does wonders.” More

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    Man Utd, Tottenham and Chelsea fans can watch their teams for FREE in Europa and Conference League finals

    SPURS, Manchester United and Chelsea fans are set to be able to watch their sides’ European finals for free this month.Broadcaster TNT Sports is understood to be planning to make all three of this season’s Uefa Finals available to all fans through its Discovery Plus channel.Bruno Fernandes hopes Man Utd put aside domestic woe to beat fellow Prem strugglers Tottenham in the Europa League final on May 21Credit: ReutersBrennan Johnson and Co might not save boss Ange Postecoglou’s job if Tottenham defeat the Red Devils in the Bilbao finalCredit: GettyCole Palmer’s Chelsea are gunning for Real Betis on May 28 in the Conference League showdownCredit: GettyWhile a formal announcement is yet to be made, Sun Sport understands TNT will repeat last season’s model for the three games.It means the all-Prem Europa League showdown between United and Tottenham in Bilbao on May 21, Chelsea’s Conference League climax with Real Betis in Wroclaw seven days later and the Munich Champions League Final between Inter Milan and PSG can all be watched by fans without a TNT subscription.Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is under so much pressure he could even be axed if he triumphs.Tottenham have been trophyless since lifting the League Cup in 2008.READ MORE TOP STORIESAnd United counterpart Ruben Amorim says victory for his team is the least his club’s fans deserve – after admitting he must get better at his job.It comes as the English top flight could have a record NINE teams competing in Europe next season.That would smash the previous best of five from 2017-18, which saw United miss out on the top four but win the Europa League.The Prem has been awarded five Champions League spots next season – thanks to performing so well under Uefa’s coefficient rankings.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMan Utd and Spurs will fight for the Europa League trophyCredit: GettyThe key achievement in being rated so high was Arsenal beating Real Madrid in their quarter-final first leg.The Gunners went on to exit against Paris Saint-Germain in the semis – with Emirates boss Mikel Arteta sparking a mixed response for claiming his team were the best in the competition.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordThis Conference League trophy is the prize at Chelsea vs BetisCredit: Shutterstock EditorialStamford Bridge erupts in brawls as Chelsea are accused of ‘most serious breach of stadium security in recent memory’Arsenal’s Real success meant the Prem’s Europa and Conference League places would now be filled by the sides finishing sixth and seventh.And they will down a spot further – if Manchester City beat Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.Spurs and United are far closer to the bottom of the table than the teams challenging for European places.But whoever wins the Europa League final will book a Champions League place.Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge More

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    Why is Rio Ferdinand not on commentary for TNT Sports during PSG vs Arsenal?

    RIO Ferdinand will not be a part of TNT Sports’ coverage for Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final second leg away at PSG this evening.The Gunners are looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit following Ousmane Dembele’s strike in London last week.Rio Ferdinand will miss the Champions League semi-final between Arsenal and PSGCredit: Andrew Orchard/Andrew Orchard sports photography/Alamy Live newsArsenal will be looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit as they head to Paris this weekendCredit: GettyPSG VS ARSENAL LIVE – LATEST UPDATESLes Parisiens historically do not perform well in home Champions League semi-finals, so the Gunners will be given a boost before the clash even kicks off.PSG have appeared in the competition’s final more recently than the Gunners, having been there in 2020, with Arsenal not appearing since 2006. Both sides are aiming to lift the iconic Champions League trophy for the first time in their history this season.Why is Rio Ferdinand not on commentary for PSG vs Arsenal? Rio Ferdinand confirmed via X that he will miss tonight’s match after being hospitalised.Read more Champions LeagueThe former Man Utd defender posted: “Gutted to be missing the Semi-Finals this week on @footballontnt!!”Rio Ferdinand will not be a part of TNT Sports’ coverage this eveningCredit: https://x.com/rioferdy5″Wishing the team all the best — I’ll be watching every minute from the iPad!”TNT Sports replied to the post by saying: “Get well soon, Rio.”SunSport understands his condition is not serious.Most read in Champions LeagueHow to watch PSG vs ArsenalPSG vs Arsenal is available to watch on TNT Sports 1.The match can be live streamed on discovery+.The game will start at 8pm BST.PSG currently lead the tie 1-0 after last weeks first-leg. More

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    Rio Ferdinand in hospital and forced to miss TNT Sports coverage of PSG vs Arsenal as he posts picture from bed

    RIO FERDINAND revealed he would miss last night’s Champions League semi-final after posting a picture from his hospital bed.The former Manchester United star would have been on duty for TNT Sports for Arsenal’s trip to Paris.Rio Ferdinand missed last night’s Champions League coverage on TNT SportsCredit: AlamyFerdinand revealed on X that he was in hospitalCredit: https://x.com/rioferdy5Ferdinand was seen with a band around his wrist in the photo.Ferdinand captioned his post: “Gutted to be missing the Semi-Finals this week on @footballontnt!!””Wishing the team all the best — I’ll be watching every minute from the iPad!”TNT Sports replied to the post by saying: “Get well soon, Rio.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSunSport understands his condition is not serious.The 46-year-old is a regular feature on TNT Sports’ coverage of European football, whether on commentary or in the studio as an analyst.He is often a key part of the broadcaster’s commentary team, appearing alongside fellow pundit Ally McCoist and commentator Darren Fletcher.Ferdinand usually appears on TNT’s coverage of Man Utd games, including his former club’s stunning quarter-final win against Lyon at Old Trafford last month.Most read in FootballThey will be on TNT tonight in the second leg of their semi-final against Athletic Bilbao.Well wishers took to social media to send kind messages to the former England defender.One person said: “Get well soon Rio.”Rio Ferdinand calls out Roy Keane and Gary Neville’s takes on Man Utd vs Man City A second said: “Get well soon legend.”A third added: “Good recovery man. Take care.”Another said: “Quick recovery.”Arsenal were losing the semi-final 1-0 on aggregate after the first-leg defeat courtesy of Ousmane Dembele’s goal.And even though they were unable to turn it around, losing 2-1 in Paris and 3-1 overall, Mikel Arteta insisted his team were the best side in the competition.Mikel Arteta says Declan Rice and his Arsenal team can make history tonightCredit: Getty More

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    ‘Proud’ Adam Collard shows support for Laura Woods from hospital bed as fiancee makes TNT Sports return

    ADAM COLLARD supported fiancee Laura Woods from his hospital bed as she made her TNT Sports return.The presenter was back on our screens for Barcelona’s Champions League clash with Inter Milan after giving birth to the pair’s first child.Laura Woods returned to TNT Sports for Barcelona vs Inter Milan after her maternity leaveCredit: TNT SportsAdam Collard showed support for his fiance from his hospital bedCredit: Instagram @adamcollardCollard underwent back surgeryCredit: Instagram @adamcollardHe thanked Woods for the support she has given him during his health strugglesCredit: InstagramThe pair welcomed baby Leo into the world in JanuaryCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/Woods, 37, had spent the previous 13 weeks on maternity leave since welcoming baby Leo in January as she settled into life as a mum.She has also been busy supporting Collard, who has struggled with a back problem in the last few months.The former Love Island star underwent surgery on Wednesday before offering support to his partner after watching Woods on TNT Sports.He shared a photo from his hospital bed of him watching Woods in action.READ MORE ON LAURA WOODSHe wrote: “Now watching my girl from the bed on her first day back.”Proud of her after only 13 weeks getting back into the mix and I can’t tell you how much she’s been my rock throughout this whole injury, process and the last six months in general on all fronts.”Collard, 29, also shared some pre and post-surgery snaps of himself in a hospital gown.He captioned the two Instagram stories: “Back surgery…completed it mate.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSWoods watched her beloved Arsenal in action against PSG on Tuesday with Collard and Leo.She kicked off her return with a pre-recorded monologue setting the scene for the semi-final clash.Laura Woods gives birth to first child with Adam Collard as couple reveal sweet name in adorable post And later quipped that every English person is an Arsenal fan because they are the only Premier League team left in the Champions League – prompting sniggers from her colleagues.Close pal Ally McCoist could not resist a cheeky dig at Woods’ expense by referencing PSG’s victory over the Gunners with a wry smile. More

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    Laura Woods returns to TV for first time since giving birth to baby boy and loves how TNT Sports welcomed her back

    LAURA WOODS made her long-awaited return to TV for Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final.The popular presenter, 37, stepped back from duties to welcome son Leo in January with fiance Adam Collard. Laura Woods returned to the TV screens on Champions League dutyCredit: TNT SportsShe opened the programme on TNT Sports with a pre-recorded piece to cameraWoods was joined in the studio by Steve McManaman and Owen HargreavesShe gave fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the TNT Sports studiosCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyShe has been enjoying family time and settling into life as a mum – and is wasting no time getting her boy into her beloved Arsenal.The pair watched the first leg of the semi-final against PSG together at home last night. But she shocked fans during the game by announcing she would make a comeback to the screens for TNT Sports’ coverage of Barcelona vs Inter.Woods kicked off the programme at 7pm with a pre-recorded monologue setting the scene for the highly-anticipated semi-final.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe then went live with Steve McManaman and Owen Hargreaves in the London studios. And when McManaman made a slight mix-up regarding the stage of the tournament, Woods – decked out in a long-sleeve black outfit – joked it was “me who missed the quarter-finals”.She then quipped that every English person is an Arsenal fan because they are the only Premier League team left in the Champions League – prompting sniggers from the two pundits. Colleagues were delighted to see Woods back at work, with Reshmin Chowdhury kicking off her piece from the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys by stating: “Welcome back, Laura.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd close pal Ally McCoist could not resist a cheeky dig at Woods’ expense by referencing PSG’s victory last night with a wry smile.Woods took to her Instagram story earlier on Wednesday afternoon with a picture of her mum and Leo waving her off through the window to head to the TNT studios.Laura Woods gives birth to first child with Adam Collard as couple reveal sweet name in adorable post She then added another snap of a dressing room door with her name on a Champions League-themed background, captioning the image with a series of love-heart emojis.Woods also revealed she will be in Paris next week for the second leg of the Arsenal tie, where she will be desperately hoping the Gunners can overturn the 1-0 deficit and book their place in May’s Munich final.That is understood to be her first live presenting gig at a stadium since hosting TNT’s coverage of Arsenal vs Monaco in the league phase at the Emirates on December 11. Woods’ son and mum waved her off to workCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyShe watched the Arsneal vs PSG game with Leo on Tuesday nightCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyWoods was on duty at the Emirates on December 11 – approximately six weeks before the baby arrivedCredit: Getty More