Yahoo News Gary Lineker's Match of the Day future uncertain following new BBC 'snub'
The BBC have reportedly decided not to make Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker the host of their new Champions League highlights programme.
Back in 2022, the BBC secured a groundbreaking three-year deal alongside TNT Sports to air a highlights show - much like Match of the Day - for UEFA's elite continental competition, only on free to air TV as opposed to a subscription channel. This is to begin from the upcoming 2024/25 campaign.
Having hosted Premier League highlights on Match of the Day since 1999, presented live for the BBC in their domestic cup and international tournament coverage and even fronted the previous form of TNT Sports, BT Sport's, Champions League coverage, Lineker seemed a shoo-in for another presenting gig. However, according to The Telegraph bosses of the broadcasting corporation have instead elected to give fellow presenter Gabby Logan the reins.
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This reportedly came after talks with the retired Leicester City and England striker, after which no formal offer was made. His schedule already consisting of Match of the Day, The Rest is Football podcast and other duties mean travelling to Manchester from his home in London for an extra 16 midweek shows across the season would be a great strain and are thought to have influenced thinking.
But whilst these decisions are ongoing, Lineker's Match of Day contract remains unresolved ahead of its expiration in 2025.
Whether the 62-year-old - said to be the highest earner of any presenter on the channel - stays on is up to director general Tim Davie. A choice will have to be made relatively soon though as Match of the Day's contract has been extended by the Premier League through to 2029, and a presenter will need to be in place for the duration.
Still fresh in the mind is Lineker's suspension from the BBC last March after declaring that the former Conservative Government’s language around asylum policy was 'not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s'. Ultimately this caused embarrassment for BBC bosses as pundits such as Alan Shearer and Ian Wright stood in solidarity with their colleague, refusing to appear on the show.
