BBC issue statement as Gary Lineker's Match of the Day future in fresh doubt

Gary Lineker’s BBC contract expires at the end of the current season and despite the Match of the Day host confirming his willingness to continue, his bosses have spoken out on a potential exit

The BBC insist they have “nothing to announce” regarding Gary Lineker ’s future despite claims he could LEAVE Match of the Day.

The former England striker has presented the popular Premier League highlights show since 1999 after taking over from Des Lynam. But Lineker’s current deal expires at the end of 2024-25 season.

There have been some suggestions that he could leave then although recent reports have suggested Lineker’s exit could come even sooner. A leaked email has suggested that the corporation are preparing a statement announcing his departure, with BBC director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski fronting the decision.

But it now appears that a final decision is some way off. A statement from a BBC spokesperson said: "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 has already dropped some major clues on his future. Asked by BBC Breakfast how long he would continue for, the 63-year-old replied: "I don't... I don't know!

"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!"

And in a further interview with The Independent, he insisted he remains happy in his current role. He said: “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.

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“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.

“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.”

A few replacements for Lineker have already been touted should he leave in the near future. Former Spurs midfielder Jermaine Jenas was backed as a successor before he was sacked by the BBC. That has left Mark Chapman - who regularly presents Match of the Day 2 - as the favourite.

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