BBC and TNT Sports ‘snub Boris Becker for Wimbledon pundit role' even though tennis icon can return to UK after prison
BORIS BECKER has reportedly been snubbed by broadcasters for a role as a pundit at Wimbledon.
The tennis icon can apply to re-enter the UK following his prison sentence for hiding millions in assets and loans to avoid paying debts.
2
2
Becker, 57, was released after eight months of his 30-month sentence in December 2022.
The Daily Mail have reported that he would be eligible to apply to come back to the UK through the Home Office as per the terms of his conviction and deportation.
Despite being able to potentially return, he has not been offered a role for Wimbledon.
The report claims that the BBC have "resisted the temptation" to bring the German back into the fold.
This is despite the 2025 edition of the tournament marking the 40th anniversary of his first Wimbledon title.
Becker was aged just 17 when he became the men's singles champion in 1985.
He had been a regular member of the BBC's tennis coverage since 2002.
He has returned to TV screens since his release from prison, as he was a pundit for TNT Sports during the French Open earlier this month.
However, it is understood that TNT have "no plans" to have Becker represent them at Wimbledon.
Meanwhile, Becker is releasing a book later this year about his time behind bars.
He has previously spoken about his potential return to SW19.
He said: "I'm working hard with the authorities to have all the applications ready to be back for next year.
"I miss Wimbledon. It's part of my life. It's in my DNA.
"I don't think anyone alive knows Wimbledon as well as I do. But let's see who I'm working for there.
"After October 2024, I can be given permission from the Home Office. They decide, I don't decide."
The BBC will unveil their pundit line-up next week, but it will not include Nick Kyrgios after he was AXED.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Naga Munchetty tells how she has always 'hated seeing people bullied' - after she too faced complaint amid probes into BBC Breakfast culture
Naga Munchetty has said she 'hated' to see people bullied at school after it was revealed she allegedly bullied a junior staffer on BBC Breakfast last year. In an interview days before the allegations against her resurfaced, the presenter, 50, had said she battled against rude comments made about her appearance and talent. The TV and radio host from south London said: 'I was no angel but I hated seeing people bullied. 'I remember there were a couple of kids in school who were bullied and I just hated it. 'So I'd always kind of be that person who would speak to everyone.' Speaking on the Walking The Dog With Emily Dean podcast she explained that she confronts people that upset her at work. The presenter, who is already at the centre of BBC Breakfast 's toxicity row, was reportedly spoken to by bosses over a sex jibe she made while off-air at BBC Radio 5 Live. This comes as BBC Breakfast finds itself at the centre of a bullying and misconduct probe, with editor Richard Frediani taking an extended period of leave after an internal review of the allegations was opened into the show. According to The Sun, Naga used a slang term for a sex act during an off-air break. In an interview days before the allegations against her resurfaced, the presenter, 50, had said she battled against rude comments made about her appearance and talent The alleged remark in 2022 was said to have stunned the studio and led to Naga being spoken to by bosses. It was then reported that on BBC Breakfast last year, Naga was spoken to over alleged bullying of a woman. The BBC are now reportedly facing questions over whether there are 'double standards'. It comes as it was also reported that BBC Breakfast's editor Richard has taken an extended period of leave, after an internal review of bullying and misconduct allegations was opened into the show. It was previously claimed that the show's staff are feeling increasingly 'uneasy' around Frediani, with the former Head of ITV News accused of 'shaking' a female editor while working on the show. The Sun claimed that Richard has stepped back from the show, and while he had already taken time off to go on holiday, has mutually agreed to extend his break. Sources are also claiming that BBC bosses have held a series of meetings on how to handle the developing crisis. In an internal email obtained by the publication, John McAndrew, Director of Live and Daily News, thanked staff for their 'positivity' during this 'stressful time' - and informed them of Richard's decision. A source added: 'Fredi was already taking a break because obviously the allegations against him have been pretty damning, and he needed time to reflect. 'He's devastated by some of the claims and has also had a lot of behind the scenes support from colleagues, many of whom think he's a brilliant boss. 'BBC executives have ensured duty of care measures and he is still in touch with a few of the team. Right now, it's imperative that the BBC gets its house in order and ensures everyone is happy.' When contacted by MailOnline, a BBC representative said: 'While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously and will not tolerate behaviour that is not in line with our values. 'We have robust processes in place and would encourage any staff with concerns to raise them directly with us so they can be addressed.'
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
We'll never be rid of grooming gangs until - like Germany and France - we ban foreign imams who fill young Muslim minds with poison: TAJ HARGEY
Baroness Casey, the author of last week's report on grooming gangs, has bravely said what few others will admit: that a troubling number of the men committing these reprehensible crimes come from South Asian backgrounds. But as an Islamic theologian and a law-abiding imam who has devoted my life to promoting a moderate Islam – while championing Muslim integration into British society – I want to be even clearer than that.
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
John Brown's belly rumbling is small beer, writes Gary Keown, it's officials who can't tell when the ball's over the line that we really need to talk about
John Brown made a Horlicks of it. Let's be honest. No one in their right mind can possibly be happy with the overall standard of officiating in this country, but, when you're doing the commentary on a club TV station, you're on a hiding to nothing when you brand a decision 'corrupt'. No matter how unfathomable it may be. He landed Rangers a three-grand fine under the SFAs disciplinary code. The Ibrox outfit, as is their right, have insisted that every comment made on official club media outlets will now have to be scrutinised intently. Of course, it's going to turn next season into a demented cavalcade of whataboutery and tit-for-tat skirmishing, but what's new?
