CLIVE TYLDESLEY left the World Cup early after learning that he would not be commentating on a live quarter-final for ITV.
The 68-year-old was the broadcaster’s lead commentator for 22 years between 1998 and 2020, before being replaced by Sam Matterface.
After initially considering leaving ITV he accepted his new role and has subsequently commentated on matches at last year’s Euros and the 2022 World Cup for the terrestrial broadcaster.
According to the Mail, however, Tyldesley decided to fly home last Wednesday after only being asked to provide commentary for a highlights show during the quarter-finals.
Upon his departure, he tweeted: “My 8th World Cup in the job of my dreams and the first time I’m going to be home before England!”
His announcement was met with shock by fans, with Tyldesley proving to still be popular with viewers.
ITV had rights to two live quarter-finals – the Three Lions’ defeat to France, and the clash between Morocco and Portugal.
While Matterface has been the broadcaster’s commentator for England matches, Tyldesley had expected to be assigned Morocco vs Portugal.
Instead, however, the match was commentated on by Jon Champion alongside Ally McCoist.
Tyldesley, meanwhile, was asked to commentate on Holland vs Argentina for ITV’s evening highlights programme.
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Upon being replaced as ITV’s lead commentator by Matterface two years ago, Tyldesley admitted to be “upset, annoyed and baffled”.
He said at the time: “If you haven’t seen the announcement I am being replaced as ITV’s senior football commentator.
“I was told about three weeks ago so I have had some time to get my head around the decision but I haven’t got my head around it.
“To be clear, this is ITV’s decision not mine. I am upset, annoyed and baffled.
“I would have been entrusted with commentating on the Euro 2020 final for them less than 48 hours ago.
“But now I won’t be commentating on any of the big England games in the coming year and I’m going to miss them.
“I love this job and it’s gone. Why? I do not know exactly why this decision has been taken. I don’t know why I am being replaced.”
ITV will broadcast tonight’s semi-final between Argentina and Croatia, with McCoist joining regular No1 team Matterface and Lee Dixon.
The Scot will then provide colour commentary on France vs Morocco alongside Seb Hutchinson for the broadcaster’s highlights programme tomorrow.
