Richard Keys and Andy Gray conclude their tenure at beIN Sports
Richard Keys and Andy Gray are set to end their 13-year stint at beIN Sports when the current Premier League campaign wraps up, and the pair are contemplating retiring from television altogether, reports BritPanorama.
The two veterans of the broadcasting world, aged 68 and 70, have mutually agreed with the Qatar-based network not to extend their contracts beyond this season. Following this decision, reports suggest they plan to return to the UK, although they do not intend to pursue further television work, indicating a potential exit from broadcasting after decades spent in front of the camera.
Their departure from British television in 2011 was notably controversial. Gray was dismissed from Sky Sports after comments he made about assistant referee Sian Massey were recorded, while Keys resigned after his association with the scandal emerged. Barney Francis, then managing director at Sky, labelled the remarks as “inexcusable.”
Since their exit from Sky, the duo has found a prominent role at beIN Sports, becoming key figures in the network’s Premier League and Champions League coverage since 2013. Their broadcasts reached viewers across 24 countries in the Middle East and North Africa, and they played significant roles in the coverage of the 2022 World Cup held in Qatar.
They are not expected to anchor beIN’s coverage of this summer’s tournament in North America. Speculation about their involvement remains, as some matches may be scheduled for the early hours in Doha, but no formal decisions have been communicated. The parting from beIN is understood to be amicable, with no signs of discord reported.
Following their return to the UK, Keys aims to settle down with his wife, Lucie Rose, whom he married in 2023, after a long-distance relationship during his time in the Gulf. Despite their extensive broadcasting careers, both men have faced ongoing criticism; BBC presenter Gabby Logan accused them of past sexist behaviour, referring to them as “dinosaurs waiting to become extinct.” Keys responded by threatening legal action against these claims, while Gray expressed hurt at the allegations.
As they transition away from the limelight, it is worth noting how their legacies will be viewed. The evolution of broadcasting in a changing world presents complex challenges for figures like Keys and Gray, who have been stalwarts of the industry through pivotal moments. Their stories remind us of both the enduring nature of broadcast media and the imperative for growth and adaptation in public discourse.
