Boris Becker could be barred from attending Wimbledon for as long as ten years
Boris Becker is highly unlikely to resume his BBC commentary duties at the Championships Wimbledon despite being freed from prison.
Becker was placed on a fast-track deportation programme that will see him released from custody in Germany before Christmas.
However, Becker’s conviction on charges of concealing assets during a 2017 bankruptcy means that he could be facing a potential ten year ban on entering the United Kingdom.
That would of course disqualify Becker from any potential work for the BBC or other broadcasters at the event.
On top of the travel ban it is unclear what the BBC’s stance on Boris Becker is given the official reprimand handed to Sue Barker and John McEnroe after the pair shared messages of well wishes for the disgraced German.
Earlier this year, a jury determined that Becker, who was convicted of tax evasion in Germany 2002, concealed around £2.5million worth of assets and loans to avoid repaying debts to his creditors.
Becker has resided in the UK since 2012, but as a foreign national without British citizenship, he is qualified for automatic deportation. The initiative returns prisoners to their home countries before their release date, relieving pressure on His Majesty’s Prison Service.
The Becker family are relieved to have Boris back but the former Wimbledon champion looks set for a long enforced absence from his beloved SW19 and the UK as a whole.
Becker missed the 2022 Championships having become a fixture in the commentary booth alongside the likes of Andrew Castle and McEnroe.
It has been reported that Becker is seen as surplus to requirements by the BBC if not entirely persona non grata.
Castle has defended his well wishes for Becker during the 2022 event, saying he can’t help but feel sorry for an old and dear friend.
“I’ve had a real moment of missing Boris,” Castle said on the BBC broadcast which led to him being caught in a barrage of criticism.
“I know he’s in prison and I know why. Boris, we look forward to welcoming you on your return.”
“I’ve sat alongside him, I’ve played with him, I’ve practiced with him, I’ve been out with him, I’ve been drunk with him, he’s a good man. He’s going to prison for two and a half years. And I’m, look, I’m shocked because it’s close to me. I’m sad that his life has come to this and I hope he’s able to rebuild on the other side.”
READ MORE: Boris Becker to be deported
