GARY LINEKER has been the face of iconic soccer programme Match of the Day since 1999.
The previous England striker took over as host of the BBC’s Premier League highlights present from Des Lynham.
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However now The Solar can reveal that the Lineker period is drawing to a detailed and he’s set to QUIT the present on the finish of the season.
Why has Gary Lineker stop Match of the Day?
Gary Lineker has determined to step down from presenting duties of Match of the Day after 25 years within the job.
In October, the 63-year-old revealed he was in talks with the BBC over a brand new contract, however an settlement was by no means reached, that means Lineker will go away the company on the finish of the 2024/25 soccer season.
Final evening a BBC supply mentioned: “Gary completely adores Match of the Day, and has been extremely completely satisfied on the BBC.
“However he has been on the helm since 1999, and by the point he leaves, he can have been on the Beeb for 30 years.
“He needs to go away on a excessive – and if England win the World Cup, it doesn’t get a lot increased.
“It’s one of many trade’s worst stored secrets and techniques that the brand new BBC Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski and Gary aren’t precisely shut. The previous may be very eager to make his mark by bringing in new faces, and slashing wage payments.
“Negotiations have been ongoing for the previous six weeks and eventually a deal has been struck that everybody is happy with.
“Gary is extremely well-liked with each gamers and viewers, and information of his departure will ship shockwaves across the Company. In different phrases, no-one is immune from change.
“Gary will likely be 65 when he leaves; frankly, he isn’t getting youthful. and simply feels the time is correct to focus solely on his mogul pursuits exterior the BBC – particularly his Goalhanger podcasting enterprise which is turning into large Stateside.
“BBC execs, in the meantime, will likely be giving Match of the Day a reboot to maintain it contemporary within the wake of such an enormous departure.”
Lineker was the company’s high earner within the 2023/24 monetary yr, taking house a cool wage of £1.35million.
It has not but been revealed who will substitute Lineker as lead presenter of the enduring present, however the BBC are definitely not in need of candidates.
Mark Chapman is the present host of Match of the Day 2 and is among the agency favourites for the publish.
BBC regulars Gabby Logan and Alex Scott may also be amongst the frontrunners for the distinguished function.
Lineker’s final Match of the Day present will air on Sunday, Could 25, on BBC One – after the ultimate spherical of fixtures of the 2024/25 Premier League season.