The BBC have confirmed that Gary Lineker will step down from his role hosting Match of the Day at the end of the season after 25 years at the helm of the iconic football programme.
After reports broke on Monday evening claiming that Gary Lineker will step down from hosting Match of the Day at the end of the season, the BBC have now officially confirmed the news.
Their statement, released on Tuesday morning, revealed that the former England international will move on from the iconic football programme after 25 years at the helm despite penning an 18-month contract extension with the broadcasting company.
Gary Lineker agrees a contract extension with the BBC
Read more ➡️ https://t.co/zco36QPN9D pic.twitter.com/PzD4AQ9HL1
— BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) November 12, 2024
Lineker’s new deal will see him lead the coverage for the 2026 World Cup, while he is also set to host BBC Sport’s coverage of the FA Cup throughout the 2025/26 season.
He will also continue with the MOTD Top Ten podcast, and his popular ‘The Rest is Football’ podcast alongside Alan Shearer and Micah Richards will remain on BBC Sounds.
The Sun reports that the 61-year-old will leave the BBC for good after the 2026 World Cup, held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, and they have also revealed that he will take a substantial pay cut.
BBC Sport Director: “Gary Lineker Is Stepping Down From Match of the Day”
Breaking his silence on the news, Lineker said: “I’m delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen.”
Alex Kay-Jelski, the Director of BBC Sport, meanwhile, said: “Gary is a world-class presenter, and we’re delighted that he’ll lead our coverage of the next World Cup and continue to lead our live coverage of the FA Cup.
“After 25 seasons Gary is stepping down from MOTD. We want to thank him for everything he has done for the show, which continues to attract millions of viewers each week. He’ll be hugely missed on the show but we’re so happy he is staying with the BBC to present live football.”
Future plans for Match of the Day will be announced in due course, the BBC have confirmed.
