Gary Lineker's final game as a BBC presenter has reportedly been confirmed by senior figures at the broadcaster.
Last month it emerged that Lineker and the BBC had agreed to part ways. As part of that agreement, the 64-year-old will continue spearheading Match of the Day for the remainder of the 2024/25 season.
His broadcasting duties will be less frequent from then on, until he heads up the Beeb's 2026 World Cup coverage in Mexico, Canada and the USA.
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According to The Sun, his BBC career will end after he presents the final on July 19. Lineker is a World Cup legend with 10 goals across two appearances at the tournament, and his six-goal haul in 1986 won him the Golden Boot.
Talk has already turned to who will replace Lineker as MOTD's new anchor. The coveted position has been held by the former Three Lions striker since 1999, and Des Lynam was in situ for over a decade before that.
Reports suggest that Kelly Cates will be drafted across from Sky Sports to form part of a three-presenter line-up, along with Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan, across MOTD on Saturday nights and MOTD2 on Sundays.
It is unclear whether that trio will be entrusted to take the rotating position on a permanent basis, or whether BBC bosses will look to appoint a single, standalone successor in the future.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker has offered advice to whoever steps into his shoes, saying: "Obviously I don't know who it'll be, and I would never say my preference publicly.
"I don't think that'd be the right thing to do - but whoever it is, I would say be yourself. I had to fill the ginormous shoes of a certain Des Lynam. I would say just be yourself and enjoy it.
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"It's a wonderful programme to be a part of. It was brilliant before I took over and it will be brilliant after I leave."
The long-serving presenter, who will have done 26 years at the BBC by the time he bids farewell, believes the time will be right for a new chapter.
"All things have to come to an end," he said. "I feel this is now the right time. I think the next contract they're looking to do Match Of The Day slightly differently. So I think it makes sense for someone else to take the helm."
