In a recent turn of events, Gary Lineker has decided to leave his long-standing role in the BBC’s marquee football program, “Match of the Day”. Despite his departure, his collaboration with the network will continue until the 2026 World Cup as per his renewed contract.
Having served as the show’s host since 1999 and becoming BBC’s highest-paid presenter, Lineker will step down at the conclusion of this season in May 2025. Nevertheless, he is slated to anchor BBC Sport’s coverage of the 2025-26 FA Cup season and will persist with his involvement in “Match of the Day’s” Top Ten podcast.
Expressing his elation, Lineker stated, “I’m delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen.”
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Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport, lauded Lineker’s skill as a host and expressed his delight that Lineker would be leading their coverage of the upcoming World Cup and continue to spearhead their live coverage of the FA Cup. He added, “After 25 seasons Gary is stepping down from ‘MOTD.’ We want to thank him for everything he has done for the show, which continues to attract millions of viewers each week. He’ll be hugely missed on the show but we’re so happy he is staying with the BBC to present live football.”
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The news of Lineker’s exit from “Match of the Day” follows the reports from the previous month about his ongoing contract negotiations with the BBC. Lineker, who has been the network’s highest earner for a number of years, made around £1.35 million ($1.74 million) between 2020 and 2021.
Over the years, he has faced criticism for both his hefty paycheck and his vocal political stances. In March of the previous year, Lineker faced backlash for his comments on the U.K.’s controversial Illegal Migration Bill on social media, where he drew parallels between it and the policies of 1930s Germany.
In retaliation, the BBC found that he had violated their social media guidelines and Lineker was asked to take a brief hiatus from hosting duties.
Despite this, at a Broadcasting Press Guild lunch in February, Lineker expressed that he didn’t feel restrained by the broadcaster when it came to expressing his opinions.
He said, “I think I’ve tweeted now like I’ve always done, i.e. sensibly. I know the guidelines inside out, and the new guidelines actually allow you more freedom to tweet. We’re allowed opinions on stuff.”
FAQs:
Q: Who is Gary Lineker?
A: Gary Lineker is a celebrated English footballer and sports broadcaster who has hosted BBC’s “Match of the Day” since 1999.
Q: Why is Gary Lineker leaving “Match of the Day”?
A: After hosting the show for more than two decades, Lineker has decided to step down from “Match of the Day”. However, his collaboration with the BBC will continue until the 2026 World Cup.
Q: What are Lineker’s future plans with the BBC?
A: Lineker plans to host BBC Sport’s coverage of the FA Cup in the 2025-26 season and will continue his involvement in “Match of the Day’s” Top Ten podcast.
Q: Why has Lineker faced criticism?
A: Lineker has been criticized for both his high salary as the BBC’s highest-paid presenter and his outspoken political views. In 2020, he faced backlash for his comments on the U.K.’s controversial Illegal Migration Bill.
Credit: variety.com
