Gary Lineker 'to quit Match of the Day' after 25 years

Gary Lineker will stop hosting Match of the Day at the end of this season, but will carry on working with the BBC, it has been reported.

Lineker has been the longest-serving host in MOTD's history. He took over as anchor of the hit show in 1999. It's now claimed that the 63-year-old will quit the programme at the end of the 2024/25 season, but remain with the BBC until the end of the 2026 World Cup.

Earlier this year, an internal BBC email was reportedly leaked, suggesting an announcement over his exit was being drawn up. However, this was refuted at the time, with the broadcaster indicating that discussions were still ongoing over new terms.

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Last month, the former England striker commented that he was taking charge of his 'final show... before the international break'. His contract now looks set to expire at the end of the current campaign, the Mirror reports, though speculation remains over who might replace him in the role.

According to The Sun, a deal has been agreed with the BBC for him to be involved in FA Cup and World Cup coverage, though with a 'substantial' pay-cut. The World Cup tournament will kick off on June 11 and end on July 19.

Lineker is currently one of the highest earners on the BBC roster, receiving a seven-figure salary. He previously commented about his future in an interview with Esquire, saying: "I could [leave]. Whether that will be the case I don't know. At some point, I have to slow down somewhere… I'm getting old."