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Sparking history

Who is Vicki Sparks? BBC female football commentator making history at World Cup 2018 in Russia

BBC has announced the team who will be heading out to Russia for their World Cup coverage this summer

THE 2018 World Cup in Russia is well underway.

At the end of last season, BBC  announced their team which will be hosting and commentating on the tournament with Gary Lineker leading the side.

 Vicki Sparks will be making history when she commentates in Russia
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Vicki Sparks will be making history when she commentates in RussiaCredit: Twitter

Who is Vicki Sparks?

SPARKS is a football commentator who reports on BBC Final Score and Radio Five Live. 

She is also a regular contributor to women's football coverage from Euro 2017 qualifiers to The Women's Football Show.

Why is she making history at the World Cup?

THE BBC has hired the first female World Cup commentator as part of their presenting team in Russia. 

She will be part of the team which includes host Gary Lineker alongside Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand and Alan Shearer.

It is not the first time the BBC has made history - in 2007 Jacqui Oatley became the first woman to commentate on Match of the Day.

 Sparks commentates regularly for BBC Five Live and Final Score
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Sparks commentates regularly for BBC Five Live and Final ScoreCredit: Facebook


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Why did David Moyes issue an apology to her last year?

DAVID MOYES, who was manager of Sunderland at the time, was forced to apologise to Sparks last year. 

The apology came after he made inappropriate comments to her following an interview.

He said: "It was getting a wee bit naughty at the end there so just watch yourself. You still might get a slap even though you’re a woman. Careful the next time you come in.

Sparks did not want to make a deal out of the comments but her manager insisted on making a complaint to his club.

Moyes was fined £30,000 by the FA and the BBC confirmed that an apology had been made.

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