Gary Lineker's future at the BBC thrown into doubt with presenter 'left without formal offer' after talks

Gary Lineker's future at the BBC has been plunged into doubt

BBC
Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 10/07/2024

- 13:02

The 63-year-old has been overlooked by the broadcaster for next season's Champions League highlights programme

Gary Lineker's future at the BBC has been thrown into doubt, according to reports.

From next season, the broadcaster will screen a Champions League highlights programme after recently obtaining the rights to the competition.


Lineker had been widely expected to present the show, having previously done so for BT Sport.

However, according to The Telegraph, that now won't be happening with the 63-year-old overlooked for the role.

Gary Lineker BBC

Gary Lineker's future at the BBC has been plunged into doubt

BBC

It's claimed Lineker had been in talks with the BBC but failed to receive a 'formal offer' from the broadcaster.

He reportedly has a busy schedule, with his Rest is Football podcast currently soaring in popularity amid the current European Championships.

And Lineker was also reportedly reluctant to travel to the BBC headquarters in Salford from his home in west London, too.

Gabby Logan has been given the role instead, with an official announcement due after the Paris Olympics.

Lineker's long-term future at the BBC is currently up in the air, with the former Tottenham and Leicester star's contract due to expire next year.

JUST IN:BBC urged to 'get rid' of Gary Lineker after controversial comments in Spain win over France

It is described as a 'matter' for director general Tim Davie to deal with.

Lineker has hosted Match of the Day ever since 1999.

The BBC recently secured a four-year deal for the show that will run until 2029.

But they will need clarity swiftly on the subject in order to plan for the future. Whether that's with Lineker, or without, remains to be seen.

Lineker was suspended for a week by the BBC in March last year after criticising the government and saying their language around asylum policy was “not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s."

READ MORE:Gary Neville thinks England star has been 'playing with injections' ahead of Netherlands Euro 2024 clash

BBC colleagues, including pundits and commentators, then went on strike in a show of support.

An independent panel later ruled that the BBC's non-news presenters, including Lineker, should be able to express political opinions.

Lineker has continued to be vocal on political matters in the time since, though has toned things down somewhat.

And he's also caused controversy while working for the BBC at Euro 2024, too.

Lineker appeared to break BBC guidelines by wearing his own range of Next clothing last month.

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Gabby Logan

Gary Lineker has been overlooked by the BBC in favour of Gabby Logan

PA

The Beeb responded to that issue by saying they had reminded all of their presenters of the rules. No action was taken.

Lineker described England as 's**t' after the 1-1 draw between England and Denmark, too.

Many were unhappy with the language he used, with Gareth Southgate and Harry Kane forced to answer questions on the subject.

Gary Lineker

Gary Lineker's long-term future at the BBC is up in the air

PA

Last night, as Spain beat France 2-1, Lineker made a joke about things being all about the 'left' this week.

That was in reference to the recent elections in France.

But fans were unhappy with his comments, with many calling for the BBC to take appropriate action.

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