Richard Keys is stepping away from television duties during the FIFA World Cup after leaving beIN Sports, bringing an end to a chapter that lasted more than a decade in Qatar. The veteran broadcaster, who spent 13 years with the network, shared an emotional message to his former colleagues before the tournament began. His departure comes months after reports revealed that beIN Sports would not renew his contract. Long-time broadcasting partner Andy Gray is also leaving the channel.While football fans prepare for the World Cup, Richard Keys appears focused on a different priority. The 69-year-old has been spending time with his wife, Lucie Rose, after years of managing a long-distance relationship. The couple secretly married in Devon in June 2023 and are now expected to live together permanently in the UK. Through social media posts, Keys gave followers a glimpse into his quieter life away from the studio as he begins a new chapter.
Richard Keys bids farewell to beIN Sports before FIFA World Cup
On the eve of the World Cup, Richard Keys posted a message on X directed at his former colleagues. He wrote: “To everyone @beINSPORTS_EN. Have a wonderful WC guys. You don’t need me anymore. You’ve been the best for a long time now. Make it count. Make it memorable.”According to reports, Keys had already decided months earlier that it was time to leave the broadcaster. A spokesperson told the Daily Mail: “Richard decided some months ago that, after 13 great years, the time had come to leave beIN with Andy. Following his decision it was mutually agreed that his final broadcasts for the channel would be in May this year.”
Richard Keys shares personal moments with wife Lucie Rose
Soon after leaving television duties behind, Richard Keys shared photos with Lucie Rose. In one image, the couple smiled together while enjoying time outdoors. He captioned it: “No man’s an island.”A second post showed the pair relaxing in the sun. This time, Keys wrote: “Stealing moments”, followed by two heart emojis and the word “me”. The posts highlighted the personal side of a broadcaster whose career has largely played out in front of football audiences.
Andy Gray and Richard Keys prepare for life after Qatar
Richard Keys and Andy Gray have worked together in Doha since 2013. During that period, they became familiar faces across beIN Sports coverage of the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.Their move to Qatar came after both left Sky Sports in 2011 following a controversy involving comments that were widely criticized. Since then, the pair rebuilt their broadcasting careers in the Middle East and North Africa.
Past controversies continued to follow Richard Keys and Andy Gray
Years after leaving Sky Sports, both men still faced questions about past incidents. In 2022, Richard Keys responded to claims made in Gabby Logan’s memoir, while Andy Gray also addressed the matter publicly. Both said they wanted to move forward rather than revisit old events.