Gary Lineker has become embroiled in another BBC row over proposed changes being made to his football podcast.
Broadcaster and former professional footballer Lineker, 63, is part of 20 media organisations who have signed an open letter to Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer asking the government to keep the BBC ad-free.
Lineker's production company has warned the broadcasting giant that its plan to run adverts on some podcasts could lead to "disaster".
Goalhanger, which was co-founded by Lineker, is one of several other media groups to hit back at plans.
The BBC is considering monetising its podcast services but made clear it only intends to do so on "non-news podcasts on commercial platforms".
Those opposing have penned a letter to Frazer asking for a review of the plans "as a matter of urgency".
Gary is involved in another BBC row
PA
Included in those are ITV, Channel 4 and Sky. The letter reads: "The impact of it extracting audio advertising funds from the nascent UK podcasting market would be disastrous, especially for the numerous small independent podcast producers.
"These changes are highly likely to have a significant adverse impact on fair and effective competition in the UK podcast market, while adding little to BBC budgets as a proportion of revenues guaranteed by the licence fee."
A BBC spokesperson told The Mirror in response: "We are exploring the opportunity to introduce some adverts on selected non-news podcasts on commercial platforms with the aim of delivering increased value to licence fee payers, our suppliers and our rightsholders.
"There are no plans to introduce adverts on the BBC's own audio platforms.
Lineker is in a fresh row with the BBC
BBC
"The proposals are subject to an ongoing regulatory assessment and nothing has been confirmed.
"We will continue to engage with the industry as we shape our plans."
Lineker has been in disputes with his employer before, famously coming under fire in 2023 after comparing the Government's stance over small boats to that of 1930s Germany.
The tweet sparked a huge impartiality row, with many other BBC presenters boycotting their roles on the broadcaster after Lineker was taken off air in response to his political outburst.
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Lineker has been involved in previous disputes with the BBC
BBC
He returned to Match of the Day after his co-stars stood in solidarity with him but continues to be criticised for airing his political views online.
The football pundit has been the BBC's top earner since 2018, with The Mirror reporting it is understood he earns £1.35million a year.
Lineker revealed last weekend that he "cries of a regular basis" over Israel's ongoing military campaign in Gaza.
