BBC set to field a 122-man team For World Cup

Last updated : 12 March 2010 By Queens MAD

The BBC is sending at least 122 staff to cover the World Cup in South Africa - more than five times the number of England football players.

It will spend more than £2million on its array of presenters,commentators,pundits and programme makers. The true cost for staffing and expenses is likely to be even higher as that figure does not include technology staff and free lancers who could push the total to more than 180 for the competition which kicks off in June. In contrast Fabio Capello will take 23 players and ITV is understood to be sending four commentators.

The BBC has also spent an estimated tens of thousands of pounds on a lavish studio built on a hospital roof in Capetown with views over table mountain.

Meanwhile there reports that hundreds of English fans have pulled out of visit package deals having learnt the high internal flight transfers and soaring accommodation charges. There are also concerns about security so many are planning to watch the World Cup in Spain or Greece on large screens beside the pool bar. Several hotels in Spain have reported mass bookings by football parties for the period of the World Cup.