Match of the Day host Gary Lineker, 59, will continue his duties as the host of the show as well as fronting the BBC’s coverage of the FA Cup, football matches and BBC Sports Personality of the Year. The new deal sees the former footballer’s pay reduced by 23 per cent.
Gary said of his new deal: “I love working with the BBC, and am very proud to continue to be a part of their outstanding football team.
“I’m looking forward to the next five years – with a European Championship and World Cup on the horizon, it’s exciting times for me and the team.”
BBC Head of TV Sport Philip Bernie added: “Gary is the outstanding football presenter of his time.
“The BBC is extremely pleased to have him leading our coverage so exceptionally for another five years.”
News of Gary’s deal and pay cut was announced on Match of the Day’s official Twitter page today.
Many fans flocked to the post to share their thoughts.
One user wrote: “Virtue signalling Lineker at it again. Probably asked them to mention he took a pay cut in this tweet.”
A second commented: “Why announce his pay? Nobody’s business what he earns.”
“Probably one of the best pundits in the world and glad to see that he’s staying on,” a third penned.
A fourth penned: “‘With a reduction in pay’. You don’t usually announce these things, wonder why you wanted to point this one out?”
More to follow….