Gary Lineker to Step Down from BBC's Match of the Day
Gary Lineker, the iconic host of the BBC’s Match of the Day, is set to step down at the end of the 2024-25 season after a remarkable 26-year tenure. The announcement follows a mutual agreement with the BBC regarding his contract, confirming that while he will leave the flagship football programme, he will continue to host coverage for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup and lead the BBC’s FA Cup coverage.
Lineker joined Match of the Day in 1999 and has become a central figure in British sports broadcasting. Despite facing controversy, including a significant suspension in March 2023 due to a tweet that drew criticism, he remains one of the BBC’s highest-paid stars, earning approximately £1.35 million annually.
The decision for Lineker to depart from the show is viewed as part of wider changes within the BBC, which is navigating financial difficulties and budget cuts. Former BBC Director General Greg Dyke lauded Lineker as “the outstanding sports presenter of his time,” while acknowledging that all presenters eventually move on.
Following the announcement, speculation regarding potential successors has arisen, with names such as Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan, and Alex Scott being considered for the prominent hosting role. Lineker’s influence during his time on the programme has been significant, and his exit marks a pivotal moment for both Match of the Day and the BBC as it looks to refresh its approach.
In addition to continuing with World Cup and FA Cup duties, Lineker will also host the MOTD Top Ten podcast and his successful The Rest is Football podcast, which will be available on BBC Sounds starting next month. As he prepares to conclude his illustrious run, Lineker’s legacy as both a footballer and presenter remains firmly established in the British sports landscape.
Gary Lineker: Presenter to stop hosting Match of the Day, BBC confirms
The BBC has agreed in principle a contract extension through to the 2026 World Cup, with Lineker.
www.bbc.com
Gary Lineker to step down as Match of the Day presenter
Former England striker will relinquish role at the end of the 2024-25 season, but will stay at BBC until 2026
www.theguardian.com
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www.thesun.co.uk
Gary Lineker: BBC Match of the Day host to leave at end of season
The broadcaster has hosted the corporation's flagship football show Match of the Day since 1999.
www.bbc.co.uk
Gary Lineker Match of the Day axe CONFIRMED
Gary Lineker has quit the Match of the Day after 26 years of hosting the football show, the BBC has confirmed in a statement. He will continue to hold
www.dailymail.co.uk
How BBC fell out of love with Gary Lineker after Nazi Germany social media posts and mass walkout
As Match of the Day presenter became more outspoken, it put him in the crosshairs of his employers and made an exit inevitable
www.telegraph.co.uk
Gary Lineker became the face of the BBC – but his exit shows everyone is replaceable
For better or worse, Lineker came to represent the BBC in the eyes of many and is a broadcasting titan but his departure was eventually inevitable
www.independent.co.uk
Gary Lineker to leave BBC's Match Of The Day at the end of the current football season
The presenter will stay at the BBC until the end of the next World Cup in 2026, and may stay on after that to work on podcasts, Sky News understands.
news.sky.com
Gary Lineker Match of the Day: BBC presenter to leave show at end of season
Watch highlights from EVERY Premier League match on Sky Sports digital platforms shortly after full time; It is understood Lineker will stay at the BB
www.skysports.com
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Following news that Gary Lineker will leave Match of the Day at the end of the season, how does the BBC cover stories about itself?
www.bbc.com