Gary Lineker cuts salary by a quarter in new five-year deal with BBC

Gary Lineker has agreed to cut his salary by a quarter and curtail his social media use after agreeing a new five-year contract with the BBC.

Tim Davie, the corporation's director-general, announced the deal at the launch of the BBC's annual report.

Lineker's deal will be worth 23 per cent less than his previous one. Davie said: "Gary knows he has a responsibility to the BBC in terms of his use of social media.

"This is not about a ban on social media, it's about whether what's happening on social media is helping us build our reputation on impartiality."

Davie said Lineker would not be held to the same standards as the BBC's news journalists, but would be advised about guidelines.

"What will Gary do? That's a question for Gary," he said. "It's not about stopping people tweeting - I'm relaxed about that." But the BBC must be impartial and "there are no exceptions to that".

On the new deal, Lineker said: “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.”

Philip Bernie, BBC Head of TV Sport, 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.”