TNT Sports bosses were left seeing red this week after their high-profile pundit Rio Ferdinand was unexpectedly stranded in Dubai, completely missing his crucial broadcasting duties during the Champions League quarter-finals.
The former England and Manchester United defender, who commands a hefty salary for his analysis, was forced to abandon his coverage commitments after becoming stuck in the United Arab Emirates. Ferdinand had been in Dubai for a brief break but found himself unable to return to the UK in time for Tuesday night's critical matches.
According to sources close to the broadcaster, senior figures at TNT Sports - the rebranded BT Sport - were absolutely furious about the situation. The timing couldn't have been worse, with the Champions League reaching its most exciting phase and audiences expecting their star punditry team to be at full strength.
Ferdinand, who has been a mainstay of BT Sport's coverage since 2015, was notably absent from the studio as Real Madrid faced Manchester City in a thrilling 3-3 draw. His insightful analysis and big-match experience were sorely missed during one of the tournament's most anticipated fixtures.
The incident has raised questions about the commitments and responsibilities of high-profile pundits during the busiest periods of the football calendar. With TNT Sports investing heavily in their Champions League coverage, the absence of such a key figure represents a significant professional setback.
Industry insiders suggest this situation might lead to stricter contractual clauses for pundits regarding their availability during critical broadcasting periods. The network now faces the challenge of ensuring their star names are present and prepared for the remaining Champions League fixtures, including the semi-finals and final.
