Match of the Day is facing further turmoil with the BBC told they do not have the rights to use world feed commentary for the highlights show.
Presenters, pundits and commentators have all pulled out of featuring on Saturday's programme after the corporation took Gary Lineker off air. Lineker had become embroiled in a row with Conservative party MPs over his opposition to the government's Illegal Migration bill.
He was subsequently stood down from his presenting duties by the BBC on Friday evening, with the likes of Ian Wright, Alan Shearer and Alex Scott pulling their availability in response. A further problem was created when the six commentators scheduled to cover the day's matches also stood down in solidarity with Lineker.
It was assumed the BBC would be able to use the Premier League's world feed commentary to ensure there are voiceovers over the highlights on Saturday's show. But according to The Athletic, the corporation does not actually have the rights to do so.
The BBC will now have to decide whether or not to air the highlights without accompanying commentary. They have already confirmed that there will be no studio presentation or punditry on Saturday's show.
Presenters and reporters working on Final Score and Football Focus also pulled their availability, with neither programme being shown on Saturday. The BBC apologised for the disruption caused by the reaction to Lineker's suspension.
“The BBC will only be able to bring limited sport programming this weekend and our schedules will be updated to reflect that," a spokesperson said.
“We are sorry for these changes which we recognise will be disappointing for BBC sport fans. We are working hard to resolve the situation and hope to do so soon.”
The commentators originally scheduled to provide coverage for Saturday's show released a joint statement late on Friday night.
The statement reads: "As commentators on MOTD, we have decided to step down from tomorrow night's broadcast. We know that football fans want to watch their teams should still be able to do so, as management can use world feed commentary if they wish.
"However, in the circumstances we do not feel it would be appropriate to take part in the programme."
With no world feed commentary seemingly available, the BBC faces a huge headache over what to do with Saturday's show. But as late as 3.35pm, the show was still shown on BBC One's schedule as a 1hr 19mins show starting at 10.20pm.
A description for the show read: "Highlights of the latest round of Premier League matches with Manchester City, Tottenham and Liverpool all in action. City were bidding to keep their title bid on track when they travelled to Crystal Palace, while Tottenham hosted Nottingham Forest, and Liverpool faced Bournemouth. Plus all the goals from Saturday’s other fixtures."
The Mirror has launched a petition to have Gary Lineker reinstated at the BBC and as the host of Match of the Day. Sign it here.
