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Steven Gerrard and Rio Ferdinand to join Gary Lineker on BT Sport's Champions League coverage next season

Lineker will continue to present Match of the Day

Tom Sheen
Tuesday 09 June 2015 17:25 BST
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(C1 Photography)

Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has been named as a pundit for BT Sport's Champions League coverage next season.

Gerrard, who will join the LA Galaxy this summer, has been named a lead analyst for the channel, alongside Glenn Hoddle as well as existing pundits Paul Scholes, Owen Hargreaves, Michael Owen, Steve McManaman and others.

Harry Redknapp and former referee Howard Webb are also new signings.

Gary Lineker will anchor the show after he signed a new, non-exclusive deal with the BBC that allows him to appear on other networks - Lineker will remain as presenter of Match of the Day.

Jake Humphrey has also joined the channel as has former Manchester United and England captain Rio Ferdinand - he will not be a pundit but will front coverage.

BT Sport have revealed that 351 matches in the Champions League and Europa League will be screened next season, after they signed an £897million, three-year deal with Uefa for exclusive rights in the UK.

The broadcaster is set to launch a new channel to house the majority of its European coverage, BT Sport Europe. BT Broadband customers who watch on Sky will have to add the channel for £5 a month; it'll be a free addition on BT TV.

Gerrard will have to fly back from Los Angeles if he is to be part of the coverage during the group stages, with the MLS season not finishing until October. If the Galaxy reach the latter stages of the play-offs, then their season could continue into November.

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