Gary Lineker is set to take a huge pay cut from their BBC despite staying on with the company until the 2026 World Cup. Match of the Day fans were left stunned this week following the news that the 63-year-old would be leaving the show at the end of the season, after talks over a new deal broke down.
Lineker had reportedly been keen on a new multi-year contract, but Beeb bosses were reluctant to make a long term commitment to the ex-England striker.
The presenter will continue to anchor the station’s FA Cup coverage for the next 18 months, as well as hosting his regular MOTD Top Ten podcast.
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However, according to the Sun, Lineker will now face a £500,000 drop in his annual salary. He had previously been the BBC’s highest earner with a lucrative £1.3million-a-year contract.
Having initially worked on MOTD as a pundit, Linker took over the lead role from Des Lynam in August 1999. He first presented the programme in August 1999, and in a released statement this week, BBC bosses lauded his contribution.
“After 25 seasons Gary is stepping down from MOTD, they said. “We want to thank him for everything he has done for the show. He’ll be hugely missed on the show but we’re so happy he is staying with the BBC to present live football.”
It has also been confirmed that Lineker will no longer be involved the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards. He had become an integral part of the annual show, working last year alongside Gabby Logan, Clare Balding and Alex Scott.
The BBC further confirmed: "We can confirm Gary has decided to step down from the team presenting BBC Sports Personality Of The Year. After 23 years last year's 70th anniversary was his final show."
Lineker himself broke his silence on the developments on Tuesday, although showed no signs of discontent as he said: “I’m delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen.”
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But as Lineker prepares to scale back his workload, the process of appointing his successor has hit a stumbling block. Mark Chapman, who currently hosts MOTD 2, had initially been installed as the favourite to takeover.
However, he is said to be unhappy over proposals for him to share the role with Kelly Somers. The 51-year-old is seemingly only prepared to consider an offer to be Lineker’s direct and sole replacement.
