BBC responds to rumours of Gary Lineker's early Match of the Day exit
Gary Lineker has fronted the BBC's Match of the Day since 1999 but there are suggestions he could leave the show at the end of the current Premier League season
by Sophie Barley, Daniel Orme · ChronicleLiveThe BBC has maintained a tight-lipped stance on the future of Gary Lineker with Match of the Day, despite swirling rumours that he might be set to depart from the iconic Premier League highlights programme.
Since taking over the reins from Des Lynam in 1999, the ex-England forward has become a huge part of the show. However, as Lineker's contract is due to conclude at the end of the 2024-25 season, speculation has been rife about his continuation.
Amidst whispers of an earlier exit for Lineker, a leaked email hinted that the Beeb could soon be crafting a statement to announce his departure, with BBC director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski reportedly leading the narrative.
Yet, it seems a definitive resolution is not on the immediate horizon. A BBC spokesperson clarified: "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 at what lies ahead. When probed by BBC Breakfast about his tenure's length, the 63 year old sports presenter confessed: "I don't... I don't know! ", reports the Mirror.
Join our WhatsApp communities
ChronicleLive is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our communities.
We have a number of communities to join, so you can choose which one you want to be part of and we'll send you the latest news direct to your phone. You could even join them all!
To join you need to have WhatsApp on your device. All you need to do is choose which community you want to join, click on the link and press 'join community'.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the ChronicleLive team.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.
If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you’re curious, you can read our privacy notice.
Join the ChronicleLive Breaking News and Top Stories community
Join our Court & Crime community
Join the Things to do in Newcastle and the North East community
Join our Northumberland community
Join our County Durham community
Join our Great North Run community
"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! ".
In a candid chat with The Independent, he conveyed his contentment with his position: "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."
On the subject of his podcast ventures, he noted: "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 continued to praise the corporation, despite acknowledging internal problems: "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 around Lineker's potential replacement has been rife, with former Spurs midfielder Jermaine Jenas once being a favourite until his recent departure from the BBC. Now, Mark Chapman, the regular face of Match of the Day 2, is seen as the lead contender to take up the mantle.