Gary Lineker 'strikes new BBC agreement' after Match of the Day exit confirmed

Gary Lineker will be staying with the BBC in some capacity (Image: Getty)

Gary Lineker has reportedly struck a new agreement with the BBC just hours after the broadcaster confirmed his exit from Match of the Day.

The BBC announced on Tuesday the former England star, 63, will be ending his 25-year association with their flagship football highlights programme Match of the Day at the end of the current campaign.

As part of the deal, Lineker will continue to lead the British broadcasters' coverage of the 2026 World Cup and next season’s FA Cup. But the 63-year-old also finalised a separate deal to continue his association with the BBC brand.

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Lineker has reportedly struck a deal to stream his popular podcast 'The Rest is Football' on BBC Sounds, according to The Times.

The Leicester and Tottenham icon appears on the show with ex-footballers Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, who also feature regularly on MOTD.

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It follows an existing rights deal with Lineker’s Goalhanger - the production company behind 'The Rest is Football' - to feature the non-sport podcast 'The Rest is History' on the BBC’s audio streaming service.

Gary Lineker co-hosts The Rest is Football with BBC colleagues Micah Richards and Alan Shearer (Image: Getty)

It is not yet clear how much he will earn from the agreement, but it could help supplement his wages after agreeing to lower his yearly income.

As part of his 18-month contract extension to present BBC's football coverage, Lineker's current salary of £1.3million a year will be significantly reduced. The Sun report Lineker's new salary will reflect a big pay cut, although it is yet to be revealed exactly how much he will earn.

The Rest is Football is one of the most popular shows amongst UK football fans, although the podcast has stirred up controversy in recent months.

Gary Lineker co-hosts The Rest is Football podcast (Image: X/@RestIsFootball) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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Earlier this summer during Euro 2024, Lineker was heavily critical of England striker Harry Kane's performances, provoking the Three Lions captain to respond directly to him.

All three presenters, including their guests, are given the freedom to speak their minds and are often heard swearing during the show. This is a stark contrast to their usual script on Saturday nights on MOTD.

Lineker also addressed his own future during an episode in October where he confirmed he had started talks with the BBC about his contract.

He then joked with Shearer and Richards about the latter being listed as a possible replacement for the presenter, who has hosted MOTD since 1999. His replacement is yet to be announced.

Gary Lineker 'strikes new BBC agreement' after Match of the Day exit confirmed

Gary Lineker 'strikes new BBC agreement' after Match of the Day exit confirmed

Gary Lineker 'strikes new BBC agreement' after Match of the Day exit confirmed

Gary Lineker 'strikes new BBC agreement' after Match of the Day exit confirmed

Gary Lineker 'strikes new BBC agreement' after Match of the Day exit confirmed