Despite swirling rumours that Gary Lineker could make an early exit from Match of the Day, the BBC has stated it has “nothing to announce” regarding his future. The former Leicester City and England ace has been the face of the iconic Premier League highlights programme since 1999, assuming the mantle from the legendary Des Lynam.
Whilst Lineker’s contract is set to run out at the close of the 2024-25 season, speculative chatter has hinted at a potentially sooner departure, with whispers of an internal email hinting at an official statement being prepared for his departure, led by BBC director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski. .
Yet, any concrete decision appears to be on the distant horizon according to the Beeb, with a spokesperson specifying: “We have nothing to announce, and we have not agreed next steps with regard to his contract. He is on contract until the end of the season.”
Lineker himself has teased fans about his tenure’s timeline when probed on BBC Breakfast, responding with an enigmatic: “I don’t… I don’t know! ” further adding, “It depends how long they want me, I suppose. I love doing it at the moment; I’ve still got another year left, at least. So we’ll have to wait and see what happens. Obviously it’s another change in football and television and the rights of the Premier League and stuff like that.”
In a candid interview with The Independent, the presenter expressed his contentment with his role, saying: “Match Of The Day is such an iconic show, 60 years is such a long time and I have presented it for 25 of those years.” He also shared his enthusiasm for podcasting, noting that “Podcast-wise, things have really exceeded our expectations but, at the same time, I love being part of Match Of The Day. I love working for the BBC.”
He added, “I know it has its issues and it has its troubles but I think it’s brilliant. I think sometimes we don’t shout about how good we are at the BBC and what we offer.”
Speculation about his potential replacement has been rife, with former Spurs midfielder Jermaine Jenas initially tipped for the role before his departure from the BBC. Now, Mark Chapman, who is known for presenting Match of the Day 2, has emerged as the frontrunner.
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