BBC 'to launch Match of the Day-style show for Champions League'

A new Match of the Day-style programme for the Champions League is being launched next season by the BBC, according to reports.

The BBC have won rights to show highlights of Europe’s premier club competition starting from next season, the first campaign of UEFA’s revamped Champions League format.

The number of teams competiting will increase from 32 to 36, and the number of games will rise from 125 to 189.

While TNT Sports will remain the live UK broadcaster of Champions League matches, the BBC will begin a three-year deal to show the highlights. TNT Sports showed all matches this season and retained the vast majority of the rights, but Amazon Prime Video will be broadcasting a selection of games.

According to The Sun, the new midweek BBC show will be available on across TV, iPlayer and online.

The national broadcaster is yet to announce its presenters and pundits for the show. At present, Gary Lineker presents Match of the Day, while Mark Chapman hosts its sister show Match of the Day 2.

Speaking after winning the rights to the highlights package, the BBC’s Director of Sport, Barbara Slater, said: “We are simply thrilled to have won these rights. Our reach and ability to bring people together is unrivalled.

“We couldn’t be more delighted that UEFA has recognised the value in our ability to bring the Champions League to the widest possible audience across the UK.

“This package of highlights and digital content will allow football fans to follow the Champions League, whenever and however they like.

“The Champions League is a wonderful addition to our portfolio of football output on the BBC and we can’t wait to get started.”

In the ongoing 2023/24 Champions League campaign Borussia Dortmund take a 1-0 lead to Paris Saint-Germain ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final second leg.

In the other semi-final, it is 2-2 between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid ahead of their second-leg meeting at the Bernabeu on Wednesday night.