Strike action at BBC Sport is considered 'inevitable' as plans for significant redundancy are met with fury among staff. Employees are reportedly incensed that while numerous rank-and-file positions are slated for elimination, senior leadership roles appear to be unaffected by the cost-saving measures.
Daily Mail Sport reported that the job cuts were announced ahead of a staff meeting last Wednesday. During this meeting, 41 roles were confirmed for culling, with five new positions created. These changes are occurring under the direction of sport director Alex Kay-Jelski, whose recent controversial decisions some believe are focused on increasing online engagement rather than serving the entire license-fee-paying audience.
"Everyone is furious," one insider told Daily Mail Sport. "The TV sports news department in particular will be decimated. And yet those at the top, unsurprisingly, are untouched. The feeling is that strike action is inevitable." However, it was also noted that while no senior leadership roles are at risk, management itself is impacted, with the highest percentage of the 41 job losses coming from management levels.
In a separate matter, Gary Lineker recently stated on his podcast that he refused to work for FIFA after being asked to meet Vladimir Putin during the 2018 World Cup draw in Russia. Lineker, a former Match of the Day presenter, also drew parallels between FIFA president Gianni Infantino and an oligarch.
This assertion contrasts with the fact that Lineker's production company, Goalhanger Films, signed a deal with FIFA+ in 2022. As part of this agreement, Lineker conducted interviews with fellow Golden Boot winners, which were streamed on FIFA's platform. An advertisement from last October promoted Lineker's interview with Thomas Muller on FIFA+.
Sources indicated that the deal was worth a significant sum, described as "deep into six figures." Insiders at Goalhanger maintained that the agreement was made "some years ago."
Manchester United received a unique gift from Sabah, the Azerbaijani champions, ahead of their Champions League match. Traditionally, host clubs cover expenses and exchange gifts with visiting executives. While signed shirts are common, Sabah presented United executives with intricately embroidered rugs, a nod to Azerbaijan's renowned carpet-making tradition.
Regarding potential policy changes, there appears to be a divergence in approach between the Premier League and the English Football League (EFL) concerning Andy Burnham's proposal to permit alcohol consumption in stadium stands. Prime Minister Burnham, an Everton supporter, has characterized the current ban as discriminatory and suggested a trial.
Clubs in England's top five divisions have been subject to this restriction since 1985. The EFL reportedly views Burnham's plan with receptiveness, potentially due to the prospect of increased revenue. Sources within the EFL suggest that allowing fans to drink in view of the pitch could mitigate risks associated with excessive pre-game alcohol consumption and reduce congestion at turnstiles as fans might enter grounds earlier.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has previously stated that the league has not prioritized changing the policy, calling for careful consideration should discussions commence. He noted that the Premier League does not currently hold a clear view on the matter.