Rodrigo Beenkens absent from the World Cup: RTBF explains his choice

A major sporting competition at the end of the year, the FIFA World Cup kicked off this Sunday in Qatar. An appointment that all football fans are looking forward to. And so as not to miss any of the highlights of this event, RTBF has set up a rich system. On television, on the radio or on Auvio, Belgians can follow the matches quietly installed in their living room.

In the team set up to provide commentary during the various matches, an absence did not go unnoticed. That of Rodrigo Beenkens. During Euro 2021, the emblematic commentator of RTBF had already been removed from the matches of the Red Devils and replaced by Vincent Langendries. A replacement, much criticized by the public, which the public service had explained by the fact that Rodrigo Beenkens could not cover both the football competition and the Tour de France which took place in 12 different cities.

This year again, the voice of Rodrigo Beenkens will not rock the ears of viewers. In a press release, the RTBF explains that the journalist is now dedicated to cycling, his other favorite field. “In the evolution of its editorial line, RTBF expects its commentators to take overall responsibility for the disciplines they cover. This is the case of Rodrigo Beenkens: in cycling, he is a renowned reference, both in Belgium and internationally. It is for this reason that he now focuses 100% on the bike, with a multitude of projects on the table. With the emergence of champions like Remco Evenepoel or Wout van Aert, the coming years promise to be prosperous for Belgian cycling.“, writes the public service before rejoicing with the system and the team put in place within the framework of this World Cup.RTBF is delighted with the team of commentators sent to the Football World Cup. It can count on the experience of Vincent Langendries, Frank Peterkenne and Hervé Gilbert, to which new voices have been added, those of Lancelot Meulewaeter and Quentin Volvert. With them, our consultants allow us to further refine our expertise, thanks to Philippe Albert, Xavier Chen, Alex Teklak and Cécile De Gernier. In Brussels, the RTBF has also focused on quality and diversity, with a team made up, among others, of Christine Schreder, Benjamin Deceuninck and Emilie Ros.“