TYSON Fury has been told by the BBC that he will remain on its shortlist for Sports Personality of the Year whether he likes it or not.

Fury, one of six athletes unveiled this week as a contender for the award and a former pupil of Styal Primary School, used an Instagram post on Wednesday to demand the corporation remove his name.

The world heavyweight champion wrote on his Instagram account: “This is a message for @bbcsport and their SPOTY award – please take me off your list as I’m the people’s champion and have no need for verification or any awards.

“I know who I am and what I’ve done in the sport. I have the love of the people which means more to me than all the awards in the world. To anyone who supports me, don’t vote.”

However, the BBC insisted it has no intention of removing Fury, and says the programme will continue to celebrate his achievements irrespective of his desire to participate.

A BBC Spokesperson said: “The shortlist is decided by an independent expert panel who choose contenders based on their sporting achievement in a given year.

“On this basis Tyson Fury will remain on the list for SPOTY 2020. As always the winner will be decided by the public voting during the live show and it is of course up to Tyson if he chooses to participate in the show.”