BBC makes final decision on replacing Gary Lineker on Match of the Day with different format
Watch now: Gary Lineker QUITS Match of the Day
The BBC will reportedly look to replace Gary Lineker with a 'series of presenters' in a revamped Match of the Day from next season.
Lineker's future with the BBC had been up in the air for several months with his contract entering its final year.
The former England international addressed the speculation last month, insisting negotiations had just begun.
He admitted back in August that he wasn't sure whether the BBC wanted to offer him an extension.
Gary Lineker will leave Match of the Day next year
PA
And it's now been announced Lineker will step down as host of Match of the Day at the end of the season.
Despite stepping away from the iconic Premier League highlights show, Lineker has signed an 18-month extension with the BBC.
It means he will still anchor the BBC's coverage of FA Cup matches next season before leaving the channel for good after the 2026 World Cup.
Several candidates have been touted to replace Lineker as the main presenter on Match of the Day.
However, The Sun claim that the BBC will rotate a few hosts in a revamped format as opposed to sticking with just one main presenter.
Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Alex Scott are named as the most likely contenders to step in.
Lineker has also thrown his weight behind Micah Richards to take up the role.
He said on The Rest is Football podcast: "I'd love to see you take over Micah, I think you'd be brilliant in the chair."
Gary Lineker will remain with the BBC until 2026
PA
A source said told The Sun: “Gary absolutely adores Match of the Day and has been incredibly happy at the BBC.
“But he has been at the helm since 1999, and by the time he leaves he will have been at the Beeb for 30 years.
“He wants to leave on a high - and if England win the World Cup, it doesn’t get much higher.
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Mark Chapman is one of the favourites to take over from Gary LinekerPA“It’s one of the industry’s worst-kept secrets that the new BBC Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski and Gary aren’t exactly close. The former is very keen to make his mark by bringing in new faces and slashing wage bills.
“Negotiations have been ongoing for the past six weeks and finally a deal has been struck that everyone is pleased with.
“BBC execs will be giving Match of the Day a reboot to keep it fresh in the wake of such a huge departure.”
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