TNT Sports will broadcast the Community Shield for the first time on Sunday after agreeing a four-year deal with the FA earlier this year
Lynsey Hipgrave speaks with Former Manchester United player Rio Ferdinand and former Chelsea players Wayne Bridge and Joe Cole as present on TNT Sports prior to the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on April 04, 2024 in London, England
Lynsey Hipgrave speaks to Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Bridge and Joe Cole on TNT Sports
(Image: Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
TNT Sports appear to have found a replacement for Rio Ferdinand ahead of the new season. The Manchester United legend announced his departure from the sports broadcaster back in May with a statement on social media.
After 10 years working for the company, previously known as BT Sport, Ferdinand decided to step down and focus on 'other business interests' and his family. On X, formerly known as Twitter, the 46-year-old said: "Since retiring from football, it has been a privilege talking about the game I love for a decade.
"I want to acknowledge the tremendous support from the team behind the scenes, whose hard work often goes unseen but has been essential to our success."
Ferdinand added: "As I turn the page to the next chapter, I carry with me countless memories. I am excited about what the future holds - spending more time with my family, focusing on Rio Ferdinand Presents and my other business interests."
Rio Ferdinand.
Rio Ferdinand.(Image: Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images)
Ferdinand has accumulated over one million subscribers on his YouTube channel, and he also has his own clothing line, called FIVE. With the new season just around the corner, TNT Sports have reportedly found a replacement for the former United captain.
According to business outlet City AM, the sports broadcaster have booked Joel Ward to feature alongside Steve McManaman on the punditry panel when Liverpool lock horns with Crystal Palace in the Community Shield. The report claims that the former Crystal Palace defender has not been brought in as a long-term successor to Ferdinand.
Back in March, TNT Sports agreed a four-year deal with the FA for broadcasting rights to the Emirates FA Cup, starting from the 2025/26 season. The broadcaster will televise live matches from the first round, with every game from the third round of the oldest national football competition in the world – outside of 3pm kick-offs – available en route to the final at Wembley Stadium.
Prince William being interviewed by Rio Ferdinand and Ally McCoist for TNT Sports.
The future King was interviewed by Rio Ferdinand and Ally McCoist for TNT Sports
TNT Sports will also show the Community Shield on Sunday. In March, the broadcaster also secured rights to show the Premier League matches for a further four years, through to the 2028/29 season.
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