The BBC decided to take a different approach to rivals ITV by not showing the closing ceremony of the World Cup.
The broadcaster drew criticism for their call not to show the opening ceremony in Qatar, with Piers Morgan calling the BBC "outrageously disrespectful” and accusing them of “virtue-signalling guff” and “absurd hypocrisy”. BBC host Gary Lineker defended the decision and pointed out that it was still shown on the BBC Sport website, iPlayer and the red button.
The same decision was taken over the closing ceremony, which took place at the Lusail Stadium at 2pm UK time – an hour before kick-off between Argentina and France. The 15-minute performance, dubbed “A Night to Remember” by organisers, featured poetry and music from World Cup performers Davido and Aisha, Ozuna and Gims, and Nora Fatehi, Balqees, Rahma Riad and Manal.
The BBC’s coverage of the final began at 1.50pm, but glossed over the closing ceremony. Instead, the channel showed preview footage. The scene was in stark contrast to ITV, who began their programme at 1.30pm before pausing to show the ceremony.
Host Mark Pougatch cut away from pundits Ian Wright, Roy Keane and Gary Neville, to hand over to commentator Sam Matterface, who talked over the closing ceremony.
Lineker did mention the closing ceremony, but only briefly, before continuing to chat with Alan Shearer, Rio Ferdinand and Pablo Zabaleta in the studio, as events unfolded behind them on the pitch.
“It’s getting dark here in Qatar. The closing ceremony is still ongoing. We’ll let you know how to watch that now,” he said, before asking the pundits for their takes on the World Cup.
It was Shearer who provided the hardest-hitting take. “I think the reality of the World Cup is even more stark when you’ve been living in what feels like a football theme park for the last month,” he said.
“If Disney did football tournaments… But we must remember the blood, sweat and tears of everyone that’s made it happen. And it’s only right, I think, that FIFA compensates the migrant workers and their families. They have talked about a legacy fund.
“Without the brilliant players and the moments of magic, a tournament is worthless. It’s about the dream – Morocco – the heartache – Harry Kane – and the genius and God-given talent of Messi. We’ve had all of that and I think it’s been a really really good World Cup.”
The final between defending champions France and Argentina is expected to be watched by 88,000 fans inside the Lusail Stadium. FIFA president Gianni Infantino is in attendance, alongside French president Emmanuel Macron and other dignitaries.
