Queens Park Rangers

Rio Ferdinand to join BBC's 'Match of the Day' as regular pundit

Published: August 6 2014 | 14:11

Last updated: August 7 2014 | 05:46

The BBC announces that Queens Park Rangers defender Rio Ferdinand will join the regular panel for the new Match of the Day series.

The BBC has announced that Queens Park Rangers defender Rio Ferdinand will join the Match of the Day punditry team on a regular basis.

The former Manchester United star joined host Gary Lineker in Brazil to give his expert opinion on events at the World Cup, but has now been added to the weekly Premier League highlights show to celebrate the programme's 50th anniversary.

Ruud Gullit and Phil Neville will also join Ferdinand, Danny Murphy, Robbie Savage and Alan Shearer on the panel for the new season following Alan Hansen's retirement.

Director of BBC Sport Barbara Slater said: "Following on from an amazing World Cup that saw a huge audience appetite for football, BBC Sport is excited about delivering more content than ever before. MOTD turning 50 is such a broadcasting milestone and we're hugely proud of the programme."

FA Cup coverage will return to the BBC for the new campaign, while MOTD2, MOTD2 Extra, MOTD Kickabout, Football Focus and Final Score will continue to be shown.