Ferdinand Calls Out BBC for Dropping Lionesses Legend

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Former football star Rio Ferdinand has publicly criticised the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) for excluding former England midfielder Fara Williams from its broadcast team during the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Euro 2025 final between England and Spain.

Ferdinand, a respected former defender for both Manchester United and England’s national team, took to social media ahead of the final to question why Williams, England’s most capped female player was left out of the coverage lineup. Williams, who represented the England women’s national team 172 times, has become a well-regarded pundit in recent years and has been a familiar face throughout the BBC’s coverage of the tournament.

The final, which saw the England Lionesses face off against reigning world champions Spain, was not only a rematch of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final but also a shot at redemption for the English side. Despite early setbacks in the tournament, head coach Sarina Wiegman’s team displayed remarkable resilience and ultimately clinched a dramatic win through a penalty shootout, with forward Chloe Kelly securing the decisive goal.

As the BBC’s final broadcast featured Gabby Logan alongside Steph Houghton, Ellen White, and Nedum Onuoha, Ferdinand questioned the decision to leave out Williams in a tweet that read, “How’s @fara_williams47 not on the @BBCSport coverage?” His comment sparked support from fans who also expressed confusion over her absence.

Williams, now a regular contributor to the BBC’s football analysis, is widely recognised not only for her elite playing career but also for her insightful commentary. Her omission from the final’s panel raised broader questions about representation and consistency in sports media, particularly regarding veteran voices in women’s football.

In a post-match interview, Wiegman praised her squad’s unity, stating, “We said we can win by any means, and that’s what we’ve shown today.” She added that the chaotic nature of the tournament only strengthened the team’s resolve. “Losing your first game and becoming European champions is incredible.”

England’s victory not only reasserted its dominance in European women’s football but also highlighted the depth and determination of the squad. While the win will be remembered as a historic triumph, Ferdinand’s comments have reignited conversations about fair representation and the treatment of legends in national sports coverage.