The BBC have shut down speculation about Gary Lineker’s future with Match of the Day despite rampant rumours that he could be poised to depart from the iconic Premier League highlights show.
Since taking the reins from Des Lynam in 1999, Lineker has become synonymous with the popular Saturday night football programme.
With his contract set to expire at the end of the current 2024-25 season, there’s been an increase rumours that he might leave show at that juncture.
A leaked communique hinted at the Beeb gearing up to broadcast news of his departure, suggesting that BBC sport chief Alex Kay-Jelski would spearhead the announcement. However, a statement from the BBC now suggests otherwise.
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 himself has sown seeds of intrigue about what lies ahead. Grilled on BBC Breakfast about the length of his tenure, the 63-year-old broadcasting veteran disclosed: “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!”
In a candid chat with The Independent, ex-England international Lineker 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.
“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.”
Speculation is rife over who might fill Gary Lineker’s shoes if he were to step down. Jermaine Jenas was once a hot favourite until his recent departure from the BBC, leaving Mark Chapman, the regular face on Match of the Day 2, as the frontrunner.
