KATE ABDO JOINS FOX SPORTS

Acclaimed British Broadcaster Assumes New Role as Full-Time FOX Sports Host on Jan. 18 during FA Cup Coverage

Los Angeles - Acclaimed British broadcaster Kate Abdo joins FOX Sports full-time as host for the network's portfolio of elite, world-class soccer. The announcement was made today by John Entz, President of Production, FOX Sports.

Abdo serves as host for a multitude of soccer shows and events including Bundesliga, FA Cup, Europa League, 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Abdo assumes her new role today when Plymouth Argyle faces Liverpool in the FA Cup third round replay at Home Park at 2:30 PM ET on FS1. Two days later, Abdo hosts the return of Bundesliga as Freiburg takes on Bayern Munich on Friday, Jan. 20 at 2:00 PM on FS1.

"Kate Abdo is one of the most respected journalists in the business, and we are delighted to welcome her to the FOX Sports family," said Entz. "Her vast experience and global knowledge will add tremendous value to our outstanding soccer roster, which now includes two of the most accomplished soccer hosts in this country in Kate and Rob Stone."

Abdo is no stranger to FOX Sports, as she played a key role in FOX Sports' historic multi-platform presentation of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada, serving as host of FS1's Emmy-nominated, WORLD CUP TONIGHT.

"I'm extremely excited to relocate to Los Angeles to be a permanent part of the FOX Sports team," said Abdo. "I love the energy and professionalism with which FOX Sports covers soccer, and their commitment to the game is second to none. From my past experience in Vancouver, I know first hand I'll have a fantastic team around me; I feel privileged to have the opportunity to work with such a talented group of individuals. It's a new continent and broadcasting landscape for me, but we all share the same passion for the game, and I can't wait to share that with the U.S. viewers."

Abdo began her sports broadcasting career with German TV station DW-TV before transitioning to CNN in 2009, where she covered multiple soccer events including the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Abdo made her mark at Sky Deutschland as lead anchor and face of the channel's Sky Sports News program before moving to Sky Sports in the UK in 2014. Throughout her career, she has conducted notable interviews with some of the world's biggest soccer stars including Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Pep Guardiola and Manuel Neuer. Abdo also hosted the FIFA Ballon d'Or ceremonies in 2014, 2015 and 2016, during which she presented Cristiano Ronaldo with his third and fourth awards as the world's best player and Lionel Messi with his fifth.

Born in England, Abdo speaks fluent English, Spanish, French and German. She studied at universities in both the UK and Spain, graduating with honors and earning a degree in European Languages.