Gary Lineker to Depart 'Match of the Day' After 25 Years
Gary Lineker is set to step down as the host of BBC's flagship football programme, 'Match of the Day,' concluding a remarkable 25-year tenure. Lineker, who has become synonymous with the show and is the BBC's highest-paid presenter, has signed an 18-month contract extension for other broadcasting roles, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The departure follows controversies regarding his social media comments that strained his relationship with the BBC, while speculation over his successor includes several prominent female presenters.