Clive Tyldesley was “bitterly disappointed” to be overlooked by ITV for the latter stages of their live World Cup coverage but insists there was no falling out with the channel’s bosses.
The 68-year-old, who was covering his eighth World Cup, returned home before the quarter-finals after being overlooked for ITV ’s two live fixtures. The channel instead chose to give Jon Champion their second last-eight tie, effectively making Tyldesley their third-choice behind the station’s lead commentator Sam Matterface.
One report claimed Tyldesley refused to stay in Doha to provide highlights commentary but, speaking to Mirror Football, he said he had sought permission from ITV chiefs to return home and it was granted without an issue.
