BBC Confirms Gary Lineker’s Departure from Match of the Day Hosting Role

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has verified that Gary Lineker, the presenter of Match of the Day, will conclude his role on the prominent football program following the conclusion of the current season. However, he is slated to present BBC Sport’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup and will also lead the BBC’s broadcast of the FA Cup in 2025/2026. The BBC stated, “The BBC and Gary Lineker have agreed in principle a contract extension through to the 2026 World Cup,” simultaneously confirming the cessation of his role on Match of the Day. Lineker commented: “I’m delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen.” Lineker will maintain his involvement with the MOTD Top Ten podcast. Additionally, the BBC will now feature the widely followed The Rest is Football podcast on BBC Sounds. This podcast includes Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Micah Richards, who engage in discussions about current football news and anecdotes from their professional careers. It is produced by Goalhanger productions, a company Lineker co-founded. This arrangement signifies the initial instance of the podcast being accessible on the BBC’s proprietary audio platform; it is presently accessible on other podcast services like Spotify and Apple. The BBC announced that The Rest is Football will release one episode weekly on BBC Sounds starting next month. Goalhanger is also responsible for producing other well-known programs such as The Rest is History, The Rest is Politics, and The Rest is Entertainment. Lineker, whose existing contract was nearing its conclusion, commenced discussions with the BBC’s recently appointed head of sport during October. According to BBC News, Lineker was reportedly willing to continue his role on Match of the Day, but the BBC did not extend a new contract offer for that specific program. Nevertheless, it is understood that both entities are now content with the recently established agreement. The BBC stated: “With 33 million viewers last season across the Premier League and FA Cup, Match of the Day remains part of the staple diet of football fans who still get a huge buzz from hearing that iconic theme tune on a Saturday night.” The broadcaster added: “The show continually evolves for changing viewing habits bringing its unique and unmatched analysis and commentary across all platforms. Future plans for Match of the Day will be announced in due course.” Alex Kay-Jelski, the director of BBC Sport, characterized Lineker as a world-class presenter. He remarked, “We’re delighted that he’ll lead our coverage of the next World Cup and continue to lead our live coverage of the FA Cup.” Kay-Jelski further stated, “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.” Greg Dyke, who previously served as BBC director general, informed BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that Lineker was “the outstanding sports presenter of his time,” but also commented: “Life moves on, presenters don’t stay forever.” The 63-year-old has been the host of Match of the Day since 1999. By the time he departs at the conclusion of the Premier League season in May 2025, he will have occupied the position for 26 years. Dyke, who held the role of director general when Lineker commenced hosting the football program in 1999, refrained from speculating on whether Lineker had been “offered a new contract or not.” He further stated that he was unaware if the recent dispute concerning the presenter’s social media activity was linked to his departure. Dyke remarked: “Whether this is anything to do with that I don’t know. It’s one of the few times I’ve disagreed with the BBC since I left,” he said.”I thought that he was a sports presenter, and therefore what he was saying about politics was irrelevant to his performance as as a presenter.”But it’s there in the background. So it must have been a thought in the mind of of whoever took the decision.” Dyke commented that the loss of the presenter constituted “a big loss,” but added that “in the end people watch Match of the Day for the football.” In an interview published earlier this month in Esquire magazine, Lineker conveyed his acceptance that he will “have to slow down at some point.” Dyke also mentioned that the BBC is “in difficulties financially,” referencing recent job reductions implemented as part of broader BBC initiatives to save £700m annually. He added that Lineker’s departure “would be a saving on a sports budget, which you could use elsewhere.” Lineker stands as one of the corporation’s most recognized presenters and, among those whose salaries are publicly disclosed, its highest-earning star, with an income exceeding £1.3m annually. He has additionally presented BBC coverage of significant tournaments such as World Cups and European Championships, alongside BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremonies. During his tenure at the BBC, Lineker has also been employed by other sports networks, including the US network NBC and BT Sport (currently known as TNT Sport). Sky News reported that Alastair Campbell, co-presenter of The Rest Is Politics podcast, stated Lineker would be “a very hard act to follow.” Campbell further commented: “He is an excellent broadcaster and a very good guy.” Lineker’s new contractual agreement has been finalized, and he is set to conclude his role on a high note at the world’s premier football tournament. However, substituting a prominent presenter on a high-profile program consistently carries inherent risks. Last year, Lineker faced a brief suspension from his superiors following public criticism regarding his social media post concerning the UK’s asylum policy. This event prompted a review of the BBC’s social media guidelines, which determined that prominent presenters should be permitted to voice opinions on issues and policies, provided they refrain from engaging in political campaigning. Lineker characterized the revised regulations at that time as “all very sensible.” Prior to his career as a television presenter, Lineker enjoyed a highly successful tenure as a striker for England, in addition to playing for Leicester, Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, and Barcelona. Further reporting was contributed by Mallory Moench, Katie Razzall, and Steven McIntosh. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.