GARY LINEKER has been the face of iconic football programme Match of the Day since 1999.
The former England striker took over as host of the BBC’s Premier League highlights show from Des Lynham.
Getty ImagesGary Lineker has stepped down as lead presenter on BBC’s Match of the Day[/caption]
But now The Sun can reveal that the Lineker era is drawing to a close and he is set to QUIT the show at the end of the season.
Why has Gary Lineker quit Match of the Day?
Gary Lineker has decided to step down from presenting duties of Match of the Day after 25 years in the job.
In October, the 63-year-old revealed he was in talks with the BBC over a new contract, but an agreement was never reached, meaning Lineker will leave the corporation at the end of the 2024/25 football season.
And last night a BBC source said: “Gary absolutely adores Match of the Day, and has been incredibly happy at the BBC.
“But he has been at the helm since 1999, and by the time he leaves, he will have been at the Beeb for 30 years.
“He wants to leave on a high – and if England win the World Cup, it doesn’t get much higher.
“It’s one of the industry’s worst kept secrets that the new BBC Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski and Gary aren’t exactly close. The former is very keen to make his mark by bringing in new faces, and slashing wage bills.
“Negotiations have been ongoing for the past six weeks and finally a deal has been struck that everyone is pleased with.
“Gary is incredibly popular with both players and viewers, and news of his departure will send shockwaves around the Corporation. In other words, no-one is immune from change.
“Gary will be 65 when he leaves; frankly, he isn’t getting younger. and just feels the time is right to focus solely on his mogul interests outside the BBC – namely his Goalhanger podcasting business which is becoming huge Stateside.
“BBC execs, meanwhile, will be giving Match of the Day a reboot to keep it fresh in the wake of such a huge departure.”
Lineker was the corporation’s top earner in the 2023/24 financial year, taking home a cool salary of £1.35million.
It has not yet been revealed who will replace Lineker as lead presenter of the iconic show, but the BBC are certainly not short of candidates.
Mark Chapman is the current host of Match of the Day 2 and is one of the firm favourites for the post.
BBC regulars Gabby Logan and Alex Scott will also be amongst the frontrunners for the prestigious role.
Lineker’s last Match of the Day show will air on Sunday, May 25, on BBC One – after the final round of fixtures of the 2024/25 Premier League season.