Gary Lineker’s Future on Match of the Day in Doubt as BBC Snubs Him for New Show
Gary Lineker, the iconic former England striker, has been hosting Match of the Day for over 20 years. However, his future on the show is now in doubt after he was snubbed from presenting the BBC’s new Champions League highlights program.
According to reports, Gabby Logan has been chosen by the BBC to host the Champions League show, which is set to air on Wednesday evenings from September to May. Lineker, who has 12 months left on his existing deal with the BBC, was reportedly not offered the role due to his busy schedule and reluctance to travel to the BBC studio in Salford from his home in London.
Lineker has been a stalwart of Match of the Day, but his suspension from the show last year over a social media post sparked controversy and led to a lack of clarity over his future. The 63-year-old has been hosting the show since 1999, and his absence would be a significant blow to the program.
The news has raised questions over whether Lineker’s contract will be renewed when it expires next year. His busy schedule, which includes his Rest is Football podcast, may make it difficult for him to continue hosting Match of the Day.
Lineker’s colleagues, including Alan Shearer and Ian Wright, backed him during his suspension from the show, but the incident may have embarrassed leading BBC figures. The BBC has not commented on the matter, but SPORTbible has reached out to Lineker’s representatives for comment.
The Verdict
Gary Lineker’s future on Match of the Day is uncertain, and it’s unclear whether he will continue to host the show beyond his current contract. The BBC’s decision to snub him for the Champions League highlights program may be a sign of things to come.
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