Gary Lineker could be replaced as Match of the Day host(Image: Getty Images)

Gary Lineker's Match of the Day future in fresh doubt as BBC email 'leaked'

Gary Lineker's contract with the BBC as Match of the Day host is due to expire at the end of the season - and rumours are swirling that he could depart even sooner

by · The Mirror

Gary Lineker's future as the host of Match of the Day has been thrown into question after an internal BBC email was reportedly leaked.

Lineker has fronted the iconic highlights show since 1999, but sees his current contract expire at the end of the 2024/25 season. But there are now suggestions that BBC director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski could be preparing to release him even sooner.

The Daily Mail has seen an internal email from the BBC, which suggests that the corporation is drawing up a statement to announce his departure.

A BBC spokesperson told the Daily Mail: "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 refused to comment when approached by the same newspaper outside his house.

Speaking earlier this year, Lineker admitted he didn't know how long left he had fronting the Saturday night show. "I don't... I don't know!" he said on BBC Breakfast when asked.

"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.

"All of these things will play a part. But I just feel it's been an absolute privilege to have presented it for 25 years now. I must be getting old!"

Gary Lineker has been the face of Match of the Day for 25 years( Image: The FA via Getty Images)

Lineker earns £1.35million per year - a salary which makes him the highest earner at the BBC. Reports in September suggested Lineker was in talks with the corporation to continue in his role, but on a reduced yearly salary of £1m.

Match of the Day recently celebrated its 60th anniversary and there are suggestions that the BBC would like to modernise it to attract a younger audience. Lineker, 63, was at the centre of a huge furore last year around free speech after criticising the government's asylum policy on social media.

He returned to the BBC after they climbed down on their policy following walk-outs by a whole host of Lineker's colleagues.

Gary Lineker presented the BBC's coverage of Euro 2024( Image: BBC)

Kay-Jelski joined the BBC from the Athletic in April and has already had one big decision to make, sacking Jermaine Jenas from his role as a pundit on Match of the Day following allegations of inappropriate behaviour in the workplace.

Lineker has worked for other broadcasters and appears on his own podcast with Micah Richards and Alan Shearer, but told BBC Breakfast why MOTD holds a special place in his heart.

"It's been a part of my life, a big part of my life right from the start," he said. "I watched it as a kid, it was the one night my dad would let me stay up to watch Match of the Day."

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