The American was not a regular voice in UK football coverage – until now.
“We’re just going to bring in Christina Unkel for her thoughts on that decision” is not a line many UK football fans were accustomed to prior to Euro 2024.
Of course, in recent years, the rise of the referee-turned-rules-analyst has been a growing trend, with Peter Walton and Mike Dean swapping the whistle for the microphone.
Unkel is working as the main rules analyst for ITV throughout the tournament, being brought in to offer expert advice on the closest calls.
Read more: Euro 2024 matches on today | Euro 2024 TV coverage | Euro 2024 radio coverage
Unkel boasts a wide range of credentials and vast experience – but who is she?
RadioTimes.com brings you all the details on ITV’s Euro 2024 rules analyst Christina Unkel.
Read more: Euro 2024 fixtures | Euro 2024 presenters | Euro 2024 predictions | Euro 2024 group analysis | Euro 2024 team-by-team guide | Euro 2024 kits ranked
Who is Christina Unkel?
Unkel is a former American football (soccer) referee, licensed by FIFA, with experience officiating in big games across the globe.
The 37-year-old is also a legal expert, working as a litigation expert and managing partner at her own law firm in the States.
Most recently, she became president of Tampa Bay Suns FC, a brand new professional women’s team in Florida, who will play their first match in August 2024.
In terms of broadcasting, Unkel has been a mainstay on CBS soccer broadcasts in the US, covering Champions League football, while she has also covered major international football tournaments for Fox Sports.
Unkel has a wealth of entrepreneurial experience, with various business interests revolving around sport, fitness and beyond.
Read more: Best football players in the world | Best football players of all time
Check out more of our Sport coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.