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By JEORGE BIRD, DIGITAL ESPORTS REPORTER Published: 22: 09 AEST, 10 August 2025 | Updated: 23: 38 AEST, 10 August 2025 View comments TNT Sports' replacement for Rio Ferdinand for their coverage of the Community Shield is a Premier League star who is a free agent, it has been revealed. Ferdinand had provided punditry for TNT Sports (previously known at BT Sport) for a decade but announced in May that he will be departing to focus on his business interests. Premier League champions Liverpool take on FA Cup winners Crystal Palace at Wembley on Sunday, with the game being shown on TNT Sports as opposed to ITV. TNT Sports have drafted in a replacement for Ferdinand for this game, with a former Palace player being selected. Joel Ward is currently a free agent having left Palace in the summer following 13 years at the club. As reported by Talk Sport, Ward is set to provide an insight into how Oliver Glasner's team are shaping up ahead of the new campaign. TNT Sports' replacement for Rio Ferdinand for their coverage of the Community Shield has been revealed Joel Ward, who is a free agent after 13 years at Palace, will be part of TNT Sports' coverage Palace are taking on Liverpool in the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday afternoon Ward made 364 appearances for Palace and featured for the club in the Championship before their promotion to the Premier League in 2013. He was an unused substitute in last season's FA Cup final win against Manchester City and lifted the trophy alongside Marc Guehi. Steve Mc Manaman, Joe Cole and Fara Williams are also set to be part of TNT Sports' coverage along with Michail Antonio, who recently left West Ham. When he announced his decision to leave TNT Sports, Ferdinand said: 'After 10 incredible years, I have made the difficult decision to step away from TNT Sports after the Champions League final. 'Since retiring from football it has been a privilege talking about the game I love for a decade for sports fans watching on BT Sports and TNT Sports. 'I want to acknowledge the tremendous support from the team behind the scenes, whose hard work often goes unseen, but has been essential to our success. 'To everyone at TNT Sports, we have a brilliant end to the season to look forward to on Saturday, and for now all focus will be on what I think could go down as one of the great European finals. 'The network continues to thrive with more rights than ever, and I look forward to following its progress and the exciting future that lies ahead. Ward made 364 appearances for Palace and will provide a unique insight into the club 'Lastly, I would like to thank my family and my management company New Era for their ongoing support. 'They have supported me to travel all over the Europe following the best players and watching the best matches. For a football fan like me, it's been a dream come true. 'As I turn the page to the next chapter. I carry with me countless memories. 'I'm excited about what the future holds, spending more time with my family, focusing on Rio Ferdinand Presents and my other business interests. 'I hope to stay connected with all of you in different capacities. Thank you once again for everything. '
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