Pougatch accused BBC of lying about his 2020 exit before joining ITV's World Cup team

Mark Pougatch has accused the BBC of misrepresenting the circumstances of his departure from BBC Radio 5 Live in 2020, claiming the corporation falsely implied he had resigned when he was in fact let go. The presenter, now 58, is currently anchoring ITV’s World Cup 2026 coverage from a studio in Brooklyn, New York.

When Pougatch’s exit was announced five years ago, the BBC released a statement saying he had “decided to move on”, framing the split as a voluntary departure. “Mark is a brilliant broadcaster who has been an integral part of 5 Live Sport for years,” the statement read. “Recently he has been presenting fewer programmes because his other commitments have grown and he has now decided to move on. We wish him well.”

Pougatch pushed back firmly against that version of events. Speaking to The Times, he said: “The BBC have decided they want to go in a different direction and that’s their prerogative. They decided it, not me. I don’t know why they put that statement out saying I have decided to move on. But I am not going to fall out with Radio 5 Live. I have many happy memories and have had a phenomenal time.”

He also took to social media at the time to set the record straight, writing: “Just so we’re clear this was not my decision but on we go. Lots of love to BBC 5 Live. Now three dogs need a walk, not in loafers.”

The BBC offered no further comment, with a spokesman saying only: “We have nothing to add.”

Former Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling also weighed in on social media, expressing frustration at Pougatch’s exit. “Sad that his total professionalism will be replaced by someone who is considered to be more in touch with the youth of today, even if they know sod all about football or interviewing,” Stelling wrote on X. “He can’t say it so I will.”

Since leaving the BBC, Pougatch has established himself as one of ITV’s most prominent sports presenters. He is covering the entirety of the 2026 World Cup from ITV’s New York base alongside presenter Laura Woods, with Lower Manhattan providing the backdrop to their Brooklyn studio.