Feb 9 • 22:32 UTC 🇬🇧 UK Mirror

Richard Keys breaks silence on beIN Sports exit as ex-Sky anchor hints at next role

Richard Keys discusses his departure from beIN Sports and hints at future plans amid retirement rumors.

Richard Keys has publicly addressed his exit from beIN Sports, rejecting speculation that he plans to retire from broadcasting after the end of the 2025/26 season. Alongside his longtime collaborator Andy Gray, Keys has been a prominent figure in sports broadcasting for over a decade at the Qatari network. Their abrupt departure marks the end of a 13-year tenure following their controversial exit from Sky Sports in 2011, after which they relocated to Qatar.

After leaving Sky Sports under a cloud due to leaked remarks that were deemed sexist, Keys has since claimed that the situation involved 'dark forces' aiming to remove him and Gray from their positions. Now at 68 years old, he and Gray are considering their next steps after leaving beIN Sports, where they have remained a well-known duo in the sports commentary landscape. The future of their broadcasting careers remains uncertain, and there's keen interest in whether they'll pursue opportunities elsewhere or indeed retire after their long careers.

The implications of their departure from beIN Sports could be significant for the sports media landscape, especially in the context of their tumultuous history with Sky Sports. As sports networks evolve and adapt to changing societal expectations around gender and language in commentary, Keys' comments will likely stir discussions regarding accountability and broadcast standards. Fans and industry observers will be watching closely to see what roles, if any, await this controversial yet notable duo in the future.

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