Speculation is mounting around Gary Lineker’s future as the Match of the Day host, with insider sources hinting at an early departure. Lineker has been the face of the iconic show since 1999, with his contract set to end post-2024/25 season.
However, the Daily Mail reports hints from a leaked internal BBC email suggesting higher-ups, including BBC director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski, might be planning to bid him farewell sooner than expected.
“We have nothing to announce, and we have not agreed next steps with regard to his contract. He is on contract until the end of the season,” a BBC spokesperson mentioned to the Daily Mail. Approached for comments outside his residence, Lineker chose not to divulge any details.
Earlier in the year, speaking on BBC Breakfast, Lineker expressed uncertainty about his tenure on the show. “I don’t… I don’t know!” he exclaimed when questioned about his duration at the helm, reports the Mirror.
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“It depends how long they want me, I suppose. I love doing it at the moment; I’ve still got another year left, at least. So we’ll have to wait and see what happens. Obviously it’s another change in football and television and the rights of the Premier League and stuff like that.”
“All of these things will play a part. But I just feel it’s been an absolute privilege to have presented it for 25 years now. I must be getting old!” he added.
Gary Lineker, who pockets £1.35 million annually, is the top earner at the BBC. Reports from September indicated that Lineker was negotiating with the broadcaster to continue his role, albeit with a reduced salary of £1 million.
As Match of the Day marked its 60th year, there’s talk of the BBC wanting to revamp the show to appeal to younger viewers. Last year, Lineker, aged 63, found himself embroiled in controversy over free speech after he publicly criticised the government’s asylum policy.
He made a comeback to the BBC following a backtrack on their stance after several of Lineker’s colleagues staged walkouts. Kay-Jelski, who joined the BBC from The Athletic in April, has already made significant decisions, including dismissing Jermaine Jenas as a pundit on Match of the Day amid workplace misconduct allegations.
Although Lineker has worked with other broadcasters and hosts a podcast with Micah Richards and Alan Shearer, he shared with BBC Breakfast the special connection he feels with MOTD: “It’s been a part of my life, a big part of my life right from the start,” he explained. “I watched it as a kid, it was the one night my dad would let me stay up to watch Match of the Day.”
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