Mark Chapman has already departed the World Cup to front the BBC’s coverage of The Open golf. The Match of the Day host has been rotating presenting responsibilities this summer alongside Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates and Alex Scott.
However, the 52-year-old will not be covering Sunday’s World Cup final. The BBC has only recently switched its coverage to the US, having been based in its Salford studio for the majority of it. They were finally present on location in Atlanta on Wednesday for England’s 2-1 loss to Argentina, with host Chapman accompanied by Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart and Micah Richards.
Despite Chapman ranking among the corporation’s most experienced presenters, he will not remain in the US for the World Cup’s conclusion. On his Sports Agents podcast with fellow BBC host Logan, Chapman disclosed what he would be doing instead.
Logan asked: “Are you already kind of working out where you’re going to watch the World Cup final? Because you’re working on it, aren’t you?”
Chapman responded: “No, I’m not. No, I’m not.” He added: “I’ll be at the golf.”
Regarding his arrangements for the final, Chapman said: “I’m doing The Open golf that weekend, and then I will drive back from The Open golf listening to Kelly and the build-up on the radio and then I’ll catch some of you on the telly.”
The Open is broadcast on Sky Sports in the UK. However, BBC 5 Live has retained the radio rights, with the corporation confirming that Chapman will front its radio coverage at Royal Birkdale. The World Cup final, meanwhile, will be broadcast on both BBC and ITV.
Logan is set to present the BBC’s coverage, while Mark Pougatch will front the big match on ITV. One of Chapman’s final contributions to this year’s World Cup coverage came when he shared a light-hearted exchange with Richards about former BBC presenter Gary Lineker.
The former striker’s name cropped up during a broadcast that displayed a graphic of Jude Bellingham’s contributions, with the ex-Three Lions captain prominently listed.
This prompted pundit and former Manchester City defender Richards, who is part of Lineker’s The Rest is Football show, to joke: “One thing I don’t like on that list, another graphic that’s got Gary Lineker on there. He’s just text me now, he’s dropping down the table, thank god for that!
Chapman then quipped: “Gary, Gary who?” He then added: “Joke, joke, joke, before everyone piles on. Goodness me.”