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Gary Lineker Hints at BBC’s Desire for His ‘Match of the Day’ Exit
Veteran broadcaster Gary Lineker has suggested that the BBC may have encouraged his departure from Match of the Day, the iconic football highlights program, after more than 25 years as its lead presenter. Lineker is set to leave the show next month, with new presenters poised to take over for the upcoming seasons.
Lineker’s Departure and Future Plans
In a recent interview with Amol Rajan for the BBC, Lineker addressed his upcoming exit from the football highlights program, a decision made public late last year. He confirmed that while he will step down from his Match of the Day role, he will continue to host the BBCâs coverage of the FA Cup in 2025-26 and the World Cup in 2026.
Transition of ‘Match of the Day’ Presenters
From the 2025-26 season, Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates, and Mark Chapman are scheduled to take over as hosts of Match of the Day.
“Perhaps They Want Me to Leave”
âItâs time,â Lineker remarked to Rajan, reflecting on his tenure. âIâve presented it for a considerable duration, and it has been fantastic.â
When questioned further about his reasons for leaving, the 64-year-old Lineker offered, âWell perhaps they want me to leave ⌠there was an impression of that.â
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He elaborated, âI believe it was their preference that I didnât continue with Match of the Day for another year to facilitate the introduction of fresh personalities. It is somewhat unconventional that I will still be involved with the FA Cup and World Cup, but in truth, this arrangement suits my circumstances perfectly.â
The former England international noted that the commencement of a new rights period presented an opportunity for the broadcaster to refresh the program. Lineker has been the main host of Match of the Day since 1999.
Lineker’s BBC Tenure and Social Media Controversy
Lineker has consistently been the BBCâs highest-earning on-air personality for the past seven years. The corporation’s annual report from July indicated his earnings to be approximately ÂŁ1.35 million in the year 2023-24.
He will continue his involvement with the Match of the Day Top 10 podcast and The Rest is Football podcast, which also features BBC pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.
Suspension and Social Media Conduct
In 2023, Lineker faced a brief suspension from hosting Match of the Day following a post on X (formerly Twitter) concerning the government’s asylum policy. This incident ignited a debate regarding BBC presenters expressing political opinions on social media platforms.
He described the government’s asylum policy at the time as âimmeasurably cruelâ and stated that a promotional video employed language ânot dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30sâ.
Speaking to Rajan, Lineker commented on the incident: âI do not regret voicing [the comments] publicly because I was correct â my assertions were accurate â so not at all in that respect.â
âIn hindsight, would I do it again? No, I would refrain, due to the ensuing uproar⌠It was an excessive reaction triggered by a response to someone being extremely impolite. And my reply wasnât particularly impolite.â
He further stated: âBut I would avoid a repeat because of all the subsequent commotion, and I have affection for the BBC, and I disliked the damage inflicted upon the BBC⌠However, do I regret my stance and believe it was the wrong course of action? No.â
Support for Gaza Documentary
Lineker was also among 500 film, television, and media professionals who urged the BBC to reinstate its documentary concerning children and young individuals residing in Gaza, deeming it an âessential piece of journalismâ.
The broadcaster initially removed Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone from BBC iPlayer for a âdue diligenceâ process. This followed the revelation that the filmâs 14-year-old narrator was the son of a deputy agriculture minister within the Hamas-administered territory. Hamas is classified as a proscribed terrorist organisation in the UK.
Lineker conveyed to Rajan his âunwavering supportâ â â100%â â for the documentaryâs re-release, adding, âI believe in allowing individuals to form their own conclusions. We are adults. We should be permitted to view content like that. It is profoundly impactful.â
BBC’s Response to Documentary Concerns
Samir Shah, the BBCâs chair, informed Members of Parliament last month that âfailingsâ in the documentaryâs production were a âdagger to the heartâ of the BBCâs claims of trustworthiness and impartiality.