Roger was set to retire in five weeks time
ITV Sport’s technical director has died in Qatar while covering the World Cup that got underway just days ago.
Roger Pearce passed away on Monday, aged 65.
The tournament had kicked off just 24-hour earlier, with the host nation losing 2-0 to Ecuador.
Roger had worked for ITV for 43 years, covering major sporting events including eight World Cups, and was set to retire within weeks.
His cause of death is not yet known.
ITV Sports presenter Mark Pougatch announced Roger’s passing on Monday night, saying: “We have some very sad news to bring you from here in Qatar.
ITV Sport presenter Mark Pougatch took a few moments during this evening's World Cup programme to pay tribute to technical director Roger Pearce who died over the weekend. pic.twitter.com/tro8WdP4gT
— The TV Room (@thetvroom) November 21, 2022
“Our technical director, Roger Pearce, who was here embarking on his eighth World Cup has sadly passed away.
“Roger and his team are the brilliant people who bring you the pictures into your homes and make it all happen.
“Roger was a hugely respected figure in the TV sport broadcasting industry.”
Pougatch said Roger had been “instrumental in the logistical planning and delivery of Rugby World Cups as well as the football World Cups as well as the Euros”.
He added that Roger “always had a smile on his face and left a smile on your faces”.
“He was utterly dedicated, professional, charming and hugely popular. He will be missed by so many people inside the industry and at home.”
We are truly saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Roger Pearce.
He was always a pleasure and honour to have work here, a stalwart industry veteran with a wonderful heart.
Our thoughts are with his family and many friends during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/JcO4kT3YwX— Maidstone Studios (@maidstonetv) November 22, 2022
SVG Europe is sad to report the passing of Roger Pearce, ITV’s Technical Director, Sport, and a member of the SVG Europe Advisory Board.
Roger died overnight on Saturday 19 November 2022 while on location at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.https://t.co/4HUIlp5HhI pic.twitter.com/HMOiUdx0cQ
— SVG Europe (@SVGEurope) November 22, 2022
Niall Sloane, ITV’s director of sport, shared a statement with The Mirror which reads: “The ITV Sport team are devastated by Roger’s passing. “He was a brilliant technical director and a wonderful colleague and friend.
“His service to ITV for over 40 years was a testament to his loyalty to the company. “Our thoughts are with his family and those closest to him.”
In the wake of the news, tributes have poured in for the late broadcaster, including one from friend Neil Stainsby who suggested that Roger was set to retire in five weeks time.
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 retirement in 5 weeks time. RIP Roger.
— Neil Stainsby (@Neilstainsby) November 21, 2022
Thoughts with friends and colleagues of @itvfootball’s technical director, Roger Pearce, who passed away on the eve of the World Cup – his last major project for the network before he was due to retire.
RIP.
— Gareth Joy (@lookoutwales2) November 21, 2022
Wanted to pass on my condolences to the family of Roger Pearce and friends @ITVSport He was genuinely warm, friendly, funny, someone who would take time to come and chat. A huge support behind the scenes on events. I’m sorry we never got you to that @5liveSport game Roger. #RIP pic.twitter.com/qRRWaRVK6g
— Pam Melbourne (@PamMelbourne) November 22, 2022
At the end of the football just now, @ITVSport paid tribute to Roger Pearce – one of the people who have made it possible for TV to bring us so much drama and joy, including the Tour de France. Rest in peace, big man. https://t.co/DqDAoLAjhv
— Ned Boulting 🏳️⚧️ (@nedboulting) November 21, 2022
Very sad to hear the news that Roger Pearce has passed away. Roger was a lovely chap who I met in my early days at Meridian, hugely talented engineering mind who then moved to ITV sport. Always had time for a quick hello in the corridors of South Bank. https://t.co/8kNWLVA6rS
— Simon Hardwick (@simonhardwick) November 21, 2022
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