Lineker's days with MOTD could be coming to a close(Image: BBC)

Who could be next Match of the Day host? Gary Lineker future in doubt after BBC ‘leak’

Gary Lineker has been the face of Match of the Day since 1999, but his days as the show's presenter could be numbered after an alleged leaked email sparked doubts over his future with the BBC staple

by · Wales Online

Gary Lineker's hosting role with Match of the Day may be drawing to a close after reports of a critical email within the BBC was leaked.

Having been the stalwart presenter since 1999, the 63-year-old's current contract is slated to conclude with the end of the 2024/25 Premier League season. However, there are now whispers that BBC Sports Director Alex Kay-Jelski could potentially cut ties with Lineker before then.

According to The Daily Mail, which alleges to have obtained sight of an internal BBC email, plans seem to be afoot for crafting an exit statement for Lineker. Yet, the broadcasting entity has dismissed the notion of Lineker's premature departure, as a spokesperson clarified to the newspaper: "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."

READ MORE: BBC release statement after Gary Lineker's Match of the Day exit email 'leaked'

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In a separate episode, Lineker had an exchange with a journalist who appeared at his home in south-west London, retorting sharply with: "F*** off, I won't talk to you. Go away."

With the speculation mounting about Lineker's continuity on Match of the Day, we delve into potential candidates for replacing him on the widely-watched football roundup programme...

Mark Chapman

Mark Chapman could make a fitting host(Image: PA)

Mark Chapman, who began his career with the BBC in 1996, has been involved in a variety of projects for the corporation over the years, both on television and radio. His extensive knowledge spans several sports, including American Football and Rugby, but it's his football expertise that could potentially secure him a role on Match of the Day.

Currently, he serves as the BBC's chief rugby league presenter and also hosts MOTD2 demonstrating his readiness to step up to present the main football highlights show. Known for his loyalty and reliability, Chapman is seen as an ideal candidate should Lineker depart. This season, he has also been hosting the BBC's new weekly Champions League highlights show.

Alex Scott

Alex Scott filled in for Lineker in March(Image: PA)

Former England and Arsenal defender Alex Scott has recently risen to prominence in the world of punditry, beginning her media career with Soccer AM, BBC Sport, BT Sport, and Sky Sports. She took over as the lead presenter of Football Focus in May 2021 following Dan Walker's departure, and she has also worked on MOTD.

In March, the 39-year-old filled in for Lineker when he was suspended for criticising the Government's controversial asylum policy. However, regulars Ian Wright and Alan Shearer were absent as they chose to boycott the show in support of Lineker. With her experience, Scott could be a strong contender to replace the frontman.

Gabby Logan

Gabby Logan has the knowledge to succeed with MOTD(Image: PA)

Gabby Logan has been a part of the BBC team since 2007, having stood in for Lineker on MOTD previously. She also had a stint presenting Final Score from 2009 to 2013. In addition, Logan shared hosting duties with Lineker during the Euro 2024 tournament in Germany this summer, before taking the helm for the Summer Olympics in Paris, broadcast on BBC One and BBC Two.

Jason Mohammad

Jason Mohammad has deputised for Lineker in the past(Image: Western Mail)

Jason Mohammad is no stranger to Final Score, Match of the Day and MOTD 2, having filled in for Lineker and Chapman in the past. A BBC veteran since 1997, he has also covered major events such as the Rio Olympics in 2016 and the RBS Six Nations.

Kelly Somers

Kelly Somers has also presented MOTD in the past(Image: The FA via Getty Images)

Kelly Somers had a busy summer with the BBC, serving as the corporation's England camp reporter for Euro 2024. She has also contributed to Final Score alongside Mark Clemmit, covering English Football League action.

Perhaps most notably, Somers has previously hosted Match of the Day, making her debut in August 2020. However, it remains uncertain whether she would step into a role once occupied by Lineker, having announced earlier this year in March that she would not be replacing Scott on Football Focus when the MOTD chief was suspended.

Theo Walcott

Theo Walcott is working as an analyst on MOTD(Image: Getty Images)

The former Arsenal, Everton and Southampton star Theo Walcott has transitioned into a broadcasting role with Match of the Day following his retirement in 2023. Reflecting on his new role as an analyst, Walcott enthused: "I grew up watching BBC Sport so I'm over the moon to be joining the line-up as a pundit, it's a dream come 'true' for me and I'm excited to get going.

"Life after retiring from football was always going to be scary but exciting. There's plenty for me to learn but I can draw on the career I've had to offer up different views and opinions. It will be a fantastic challenge for me." While a leap to presenting duties may not be immediate, Walcott's charisma implies he could helm the show in the future.

Joe Hart

Joe Hart was also recruited as an analyst this year(Image: Getty Images)

Likewise, Joe Hart, another recent recruit at BBC as an analyst, expressed enthusiasm about his venture post-retirement: "I'm very excited, very proud, and looking forward to growing into an incredible role on something that I grew up watching. I want to try and give back as much as I can from the career I've had and keep learning."

Alan Shearer

Alan Shearer has worked with MOTD for years(Image: Getty Images for Premier League)

Since hanging up his boots, Alan Shearer has become a familiar face on Match of the Day, bringing his deep understanding of football and forthright views to the screen. His rapport with Lineker and his professional integrity were evident when he stood down from his presenting duties in solidarity with the pundit during Lineker's aforementioned suspension in March - and he may be unlikely to jump into his friend's role should he be given an early exit.

Dion Dublin

Dion Dublin has made a name for himself through his punditry(Image: PA)

Dion Dublin, another ex-footballer turned pundit, has also made a name for himself in broadcasting. The former Manchester United and Aston Villa forward has been involved in high-profile punditry roles, including Sky Sports' Super Sunday with Richard Keys and UEFA Champions League coverage with Martin Tyler, since retiring from playing in 2008.

In addition to his playing career, he has been a frequent contributor to BBC Sport, appearing on Football Focus, Final Score and Match of the Day, as well as providing coverage for the FA Cup. Bookies have suggested that Dublin could be in line to take over from Lineker on MOTD if he decides to step down.