Gary Lineker leaves Match of the Day LIVE: BBC ‘plan major shake-up to show’ as statement released

With his contract due to expire at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, the 63-year-old entered into negotiations over an extension, but BBC bosses have elected to move on.

Here we take a look at five candidates to replace Lineker:

‘Chappers’ is the regular presenter of Match of the Day 2, which shows highlights of Premier League action on Sunday evenings.

He is also a key part of the BBC’s coverage of football on radio, presenting Sports Report on 5 Live and the Monday Night Club on the same channel.

Now that it has been confirmed that Gary Lineker will be stepping down thoughts go to the future of Match of the Day and what it will look like.

The obvious answer is a straight replacement comes in for Lineker with plenty of names like Alex Scott, Mark Chapman and Micah Richards being thrown around.

However, The Sun have reported that one option for the BBC is to ‘shake up’ the programme with a series of hosts who rotate on a semi-regular basis.

The BBC have announced that Gary Lineker is leaving and staying at the same time. He will depart as Match of the Day host at the end of the current season but remain on to present FA Cup coverage and the BBC’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup.

A statement released this morning reads: “The BBC and Gary Lineker have agreed in principle a contract extension through to the 2026 World Cup. Gary will lead the coverage of the tournament, as England once again try to land a first major trophy since 1966, the other Home Nations look to qualify and Lionel Messi aims to retain the trophy he won with Argentina.

“Gary will also host BBC Sport’s coverage of the FA Cup in the 2025/26 season, 35 years on from lifting the trophy as a player.

“After a quarter of a century, Gary is stepping down from hosting Match of The Day at the end of this season. He will continue with the MOTD Top Ten podcast and the BBC will also host the hugely popular The Rest is Football podcast on BBC Sounds.”

Here we take a look at five candidates to replace Lineker:

Scott enjoyed a successful playing career with Arsenal and England before moving into broadcasting after her retirement in 2017.

She has presented The One Show and has also worked alongside Lineker in the past as a presenter of the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year programme.

She was also a contestant on one of the corporation’s flagship entertainment shows, Strictly Come Dancing, in 2019, while more recently has presented Football Focus.

Gary Lineker is leaving Match of the Day at the end of the current season but he will not be leaving the BBC just yet as he has agreed a contract extension with the broadcaster through to the 2026 World Cup.

Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport, said: “Gary is a world-class presenter, and we’re delighted that he’ll lead our coverage of the next World Cup and continue to lead our live coverage of the FA Cup.

“After 25 seasons Gary is stepping down from MOTD. We want to thank him for everything he has done for the show, which continues to attract millions of viewers each week.

“He’ll be hugely missed on the show but we’re so happy he is staying with the BBC to present live football.”

The BBC have confirmed that Gary Lineker will be leaving Match of the Day after 25 years as hosts.

The official MOTD X, formerly Twitter, account posted: “The end of an era, after more than 25 years hosting Match of the Day.

“Gary will continue to host the FA Cup and lead the BBC’s 2026 World Cup coverage.”

Here we take a look at five candidates to replace Lineker:

Former gymnast Logan has presented MOTD in Lineker’s absence on many occasions in the past, while she also fronted the BBC’s coverage as the Lionesses stormed to glory in the Women’s Euros in 2023.

She has also been involved in the BBC’s coverage of Six Nations rugby, and the last four summer Olympic Games.

Here we take a look at five candidates to replace Lineker:

Mohammad first started to work for the BBC in 1997 and remains host of the organisation’s Final Score show on Saturday afternoon.

A regular deputy for Lineker and Chapman on both Match of the Day shows, the Welsh presenter has been among the BBC’s highest earners.

The football world is eagerly watching as the BBC prepares to find a successor for Gary Lineker, who will step down as Match of the Day host next year, at the end of the Premier League season.

Lineker, who has been synonymous with the show since 1999, leaves behind big shoes to fill, and rumours are already swirling about who might step in.

What do you think? Should the BBC pass the torch to a seasoned veteran or opt for a fresh voice? Share your thoughts HERE — we’ll highlight the best responses as they come in.