BBC could lose rights to air sporting 'crown jewels'?

The BBC are reportedly in danger of losing rights to broadcast sport's 'crown jewels', including the World Cup, FA Cup and Wimbledon.

Conservative party chairman Grant Shapps stated at the weekend that the television licence fee should be cut unless the BBC can tackle their culture of secrecy, waste and biased reporting.

It has been claimed that around £150m of the licence fee is used to buy up the rights to some of the globe's biggest sporting events, so viewers can watch for free.

However, it is understood that the BBC could lose their rights because the idea that rival broadcasters, including Sky, should be able to bid for a section of the licence fee is being considered, according to The Telegraph.

The notion is said to have been put to Culture Secretary Maria Miller.