Roger Pearce death: ITV sporting director dies during coverage of Qatar World Cup

ITV Sport’s technical director Roger Pearce has died while covering the World Cup in Qatar.

Pearce was covering his eighth Fifa World Cup tournament when he died.

His death was announced on air ahead of the Wales v USA game on Monday (21 November) and instant broadcaster Mark Pougatch broke the news.

“We have to bring you some very sad news from here in Qatar,” he said.

“Our Technical Director, Roger Pearce, who set out here for his eighth World Championship, has sadly passed away.”

Pougatch went on to explain that Pearce and his team “are the brilliant people who bring the pictures into your homes and make everything possible”.

“Roger was a hugely respected figure in the TV sports broadcasting industry, having been instrumental in the logistical planning and delivery of Rugby World Cups, Football World Cups and Euros for ITV,” he said.

Pougatch continued that Pearce “always had a smile on his face and always left a smile on your face”, calling the late technical director “absolutely dedicated, professional, charming and immensely popular”.

“He will be missed by so many people in the industry and at home,” he concluded.

Studio director Neil Stainsby paid tribute to Pearce on Twitter, announcing that he would be retiring in five weeks.

“It is so sad to hear of the passing of my friend and former colleague at ITV Meridian, Roger Pearce. He died on his last assignment in Qatar before retiring in 5 weeks. RIP Roger,” Stainsby wrote.

Before joining ITV, Pearce started his career as an engineer at Grampian TV.

In 2008 he became full-time Technical Director of ITV Sport.