He may also entrance the BBC’s protection of the FA Cup 2025/2026.
“The BBC and Gary Lineker have agreed in precept a contract extension by to the 2026 World Cup,” the BBC mentioned, whereas confirming his Match of the Day tenure was ending.
Lineker mentioned: “I’m delighted to proceed my lengthy affiliation with BBC Sport and want to thank all those that made this occur.”
He’ll proceed with the MOTD High Ten podcast and the BBC may also host the favored The Relaxation is Soccer podcast on BBC Sounds.
PA MediaThe presenter, whose contract was coming to an finish, entered negotiations with the BBC’s new head of sport in October.
BBC Information understands that Lineker was open to staying on at Match of the Day, however the BBC didn’t supply him a brand new contract for the present.
“With 33 million viewers final season throughout the Premier League and FA Cup, Match of the Day stays a part of the staple food plan of soccer followers who nonetheless get an enormous buzz from listening to that iconic theme tune on a Saturday evening,” the BBC mentioned.
“The present regularly evolves for altering viewing habits bringing its distinctive and unmatched evaluation and commentary throughout all platforms. Future plans for Match of the Day will probably be introduced in the end.”
Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport described Lineker as a world-class presenter.
“We’re delighted that he’ll lead our protection of the following World Cup and proceed to guide our dwell protection of the FA Cup,” he mentioned.
“After 25 seasons Gary is stepping down from MOTD. We need to thank him for every part he has completed for the present, which continues to draw hundreds of thousands of viewers every week.
“He’ll be massively missed on the present however we’re so pleased he’s staying with the BBC to current dwell soccer.”
Former BBC director common Greg Dyke advised BBC Radio 4’s Right this moment programme that Lineker was “the excellent sports activities presenter of his time”, however added: “Life strikes on, presenters don’t remain ceaselessly.”
The 63-year-old has hosted Match of the Day since 1999. He may have held the submit for 26 years when he leaves on the finish of the Premier League season in Could 2025.
Dyke, who was director common when Lineker first started internet hosting the soccer present in 1999, didn’t speculate on whether or not Lineker had been “supplied a brand new contract or not”.
He additionally mentioned he didn’t know whether or not the current controversy over the presenter’s social media use was linked together with his departure.
“Whether or not that is something to do with that I do not know. It is one of many few instances I’ve disagreed with the BBC since I left,” he mentioned.
“I assumed that he was a sports activities presenter, and subsequently what he was saying about politics was irrelevant to his efficiency as as a presenter.
“However it’s there within the background. So it will need to have been a thought within the thoughts of of whoever took the choice.”
Dyke mentioned dropping the presenter was “an enormous loss”, however “ultimately folks watch Match of the Day for the soccer”.
