BBC's Byford claims £5k World Cup trip

BBC deputy director general Mark Byford claimed nearly £5,000 on expenses for a trip to South Africa for the World Cup final, according to figures released by the corporation.

The BBC today published an expenses report for its senior executives for the first three months of 2010, which is part of efforts to improve its financial transparency.

Byford claimed £4,878.57 for a business-class ticket to Johannesburg to watch the final on July 11, after being invited by football world governing body FIFA. He also lodged a £582.50 claim for a flight to Nairobi in Kenya.

The BBC said that Byford was acting in-line with his responsibilities as a member of the executive board in charge of the corporation's World Cup coverage.

"Mark Byford was invited to the World Cup Final by FIFA as part of his responsibilities includes BBC Sport," said a BBC spokesman.

"During his stay he had meetings with various organisations including FIFA as well as visiting the news bureaux in South Africa and Nairobi.

"During his visit he stayed in accommodation that was already being used by BBC Sport for the World Cup and not in a hotel."

Byford also made a claim of £3,835 for a flight to Washington in January and accepted a gift from the All England Lawn Tennis Club of tickets to the Wimbledon women's final.

The expenses report also revealed that BBC Vision director Jana Bennett claimed for 75 minicab trips over the three months, with the bill totalling £2,736.

BBC director general Mark Thompson made claims of £5,742 and £2,203 respectively for flights to the USA and Dubai. He also asked for £7.16 to be reimbursed for internet charges.

The report also revealed that the BBC's chief operating officer Caroline Thomson claimed £3,389 on taxis during the three-month period.

However, she was beaten by the BBC's director of future media and technology Erik Huggers, who made taxi claims totalling £2,940.98 for the quarter.

"Taxis are used when they are the most efficient option and allow executives the opportunity to work en route," said a BBC spokesman.