The BBC reportedly drafted an email confirming Gary Lineker departure from Match of the Day after 25 years, with the former England striker’s contract due to expire next spring
After the BBC reportedly drafted an email confirming his departure, Gary Lineker has clarified his position regarding negotiations to continue presenting Match of the Day.
Lineker, a former England striker, has presented MOTD since 1999, but his current contract, worth £1.35 million, runs out at the end of the 2024–25 Premier League season in May. The 63-year-old jokingly stated that Saturday’s show was his “final show… before the international break.”
Lineker has now discussed his circumstance in detail when he appeared on his podcast, The Rest is Football. He acknowledged, “It’s been a strange few days.” Like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, and Mo Salah, players at Liverpool, I will be out of contract in the summer, as you are aware.
“It’s normal to have conversations that are just beginning at some point. Everything is fine, I have no idea why it spiraled out of control.”
Last week, the Daily Mail reported that the BBC had created an email that confirmed Lineker’s departure at the end of the season. The email was said to have been written by the new director of sports, Alex Jay-Kelski. Even the broadcaster’s director general, Tim Davie, was said to have called the 63-year-old a “world class presenter” and praised his “incredible” career.
In order to extend his contract, Lineker is said to be willing to accept a pay cut of approximately £350,000. On Saturday, when he began the show by saying, “He seemed at ease.” “I’ve got seven matches to go, and this is my last show before the international break,” she said with a sarcastic smile.
When asked for comment, the BBC stated, “The alleged email has not been disowned.” We don’t have anything to say, and we haven’t agreed on the next steps for his contract. He has a contract until the season ends.
Get involved! Should the BBC keep Gary Lineker as host of Match of the Day?
On BBC Breakfast earlier this year, Lineker, who continues to be their lead football presenter for international tournaments and the FA Cup, discussed his future and stated: I suppose it depends on how long they want me. At the moment, I enjoy doing it; I still have at least one more year. Therefore, we must wait and see what transpires.
“Obviously, it’s another change in football, television, and Premier League rights, among other things. Each of these factors will have an impact. However, I simply feel that it has been an absolute honor to present it for the past 25 years. I have to be getting old!
It is believed that executives at the broadcasting company favor Mark Chapman for Lineker’s replacement on MOTD. Since 2013, Chapman, who is 50 years old, has been hosting Match of the Day 2 on Sundays. He also hosts Radio 5 Live and was recently announced as the host of the BBC’s forthcoming Champions League highlights show.
