Gary Lineker, a staple on Saturday night television, is set to step down from the BBC’s Match of the Day.
- Lineker announced his departure amid speculation about his future with the football highlights show.
- His 18-month contract with the BBC will cover the upcoming FIFA World Cup, after which he will leave.
- Lineker’s departure follows a period of strained relations with the BBC over his social media activity.
- Despite leaving the programme, Lineker remains a prominent figure with ongoing podcast projects.
Gary Lineker, a familiar face on British television, will end his tenure as the presenter of the football highlights show Match of the Day at the season’s conclusion. This decision comes amidst growing speculation about his future involvement with the programme, which has been a Saturday night fixture for football enthusiasts for over two decades.
Lineker took over hosting duties from Des Lynam in 1999 and has since been a constant presence in living rooms across the United Kingdom. Now, after a quarter of a century, he plans to step back from this role. He recently signed an 18-month contract with the BBC that extends through the next FIFA World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
An official announcement about his departure was anticipated, following the initial report by The Sun. Interestingly, BBC Sport appeared to have inadvertently confirmed the news on social media one day earlier, reflecting Lineker’s substantial impact in the broadcasting arena.
In recent years, Lineker’s relationship with the BBC has experienced tension, partly due to his candid social media posts. In March 2023, he was temporarily removed from his role after criticising government policy online, although he was later reinstated following support from colleagues.
Despite stepping down from Match of the Day, Lineker is expected to remain active in the media landscape. His company, Goalhanger Podcasts, boasts a portfolio of popular shows, including ‘The Rest is Politics’ and ‘The Rest is Football’, which he co-hosts with fellow football personalities.
Gary Lineker’s departure marks the end of an era for Match of the Day but signifies his ongoing media influence through other ventures.
