Richard Keys is embracing his retirement from football broadcasting, opting for a relaxed summer on the Isle of Wight while the World Cup takes place. Keys, who concluded his 34-year career covering the Premier League with beIN Sports in Qatar at the end of the last season, shared photographs of his break on social media.
Keys, 69, who had been based in Qatar for 13 years, announced his departure from beIN Sports in May. He had co-presented World Cup coverage for the network in 2022 alongside his long-time colleague Andy Gray. The pair's departure from Sky Sports in 2011 followed controversial remarks made about a female assistant referee.
It is understood Keys has returned to the UK to live permanently with his wife, Lucie Rose, 37. The couple entered a long-distance relationship after secretly marrying in June 2023 in Devon. Keys posted an image of himself and Rose enjoying a meal on the Isle of Wight, wishing England luck ahead of their Round of 16 match against Mexico.
"Pre-match in the Isle of Wight.. good luck guys," Keys wrote on Instagram, accompanying a photo of himself and his wife. Despite his extensive career in football broadcasting, Keys indicated he is no longer needed by his former colleagues at beIN Sports, writing on X prior to the tournament, "To everyone @beINSPORTS_EN. Have a wonderful WC guys. You don’t need me anymore."
Keys' personal life drew public attention in 2016 when his relationship with Rose, a friend of his daughter, emerged shortly after his divorce from his wife of 36 years, Julia. His ex-wife later spoke about the impact the affair had on her recovery from thyroid cancer and on their two children. Their daughter, Jemma, reportedly faced career and personal difficulties attributed to the situation, including legal action over text messages sent to Rose, though charges were later dropped.