Transfers aren't usually associated with international football, but today there's been one that will change the face of English football coverage. Popular television presenter Adrian Chiles has quit the BBC to front the World Cup coverage of rival broadcaster ITV.The former BBC man had hosted Match of the Day 2 since its conception in 2004 and had become the face of football to many English fans.
The show runs extended highlights of Sunday's Premier League fixtures as well as a recap of Saturday's games and had become a must-see show for many fans.
Chiles' reputation grew when he started hosting 'The One Show' alongside Christine Bleakley. The row that has forced Chiles out of the BBC was believed to be related to producers of 'The One Show' trying to replace him with Chris Evans for Friday broadcasts.
The presenter had made no secret of his dislike of the way he was treated and ITV jumped at the chance to sign the unsettled host, offering a four-year deal rumoured to be worth as much as £1 million a year.
The chance to host the World Cup coverage was the cherry on the top of the cake for Chiles who has spoken of his delight to be offered such a prestigious role.
Chiles said in a statement, "The chance to front ITV’s football coverage and GMTV would have proved an irresistible opportunity at the best of times. But, coming as it did at an awkward period for me at the BBC, it made the decision to leave not quite as hard as it might have been."
ITV alternate their coverage of the competition with the BBC to avoid clashes, except for the final which is broadcast simultaneously by both channels.
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