Gary Lineker's Match of the Day exit explained as details emerge on strained BBC relationship
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Gary Lineker reportedly had a distant relationship with new BBC Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski with the 63-year-old set to leave Match of the Day next year.
Lineker's departure from the BBC was confirmed on Tuesday with the presenter signing an 18-month contract extension.
His final project with the BBC will be the 2026 World Cup before he officially departs the channel.
But Lineker will bring an end to his 25-year reign as presenter of Match of the Day the year before as he steps down at the end of the current season.
Gary Lineker will step down as host of Match of the Day next year
PA
He said: "I’m delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen."
Kay-Jelski, who succeeded Barba Salter as the BBC Director of Sport in April, said Lineker will be 'hugely missed' when he leaves Match of the Day.
"Gary is a world-class presenter, and we’re delighted that he’ll lead our coverage of the next World Cup and continue to lead our live coverage of the FA Cup," he said.
"After 25 seasons Gary is stepping down from MOTD. We want to thank him for everything he has done for the show, which continues to attract millions of viewers each week.
"He’ll be hugely missed on the show but we’re so happy he is staying with the BBC to present live football."
But it's been reported that Lineker and Kay-Jelski didn't see eye-to-eye in their short time together.
According to The Sun, the pair were 'not exactly close' and Kay-Jelski was keen to cut spending at the BBC.
It's also claimed the BBC chief was looking to shake things up on the Premier League highlights programme.
Gary Lineker was 'not close' with Alex Kay-Jelski
PA
Lineker confirmed six weeks ago that contract negotiations with the BBC had begun and hinted earlier this season that he would be keen to continue with Match of the Day.
However, his new contract suggests he was unable to come to an agreement to continue as Match of the Day host beyond this season.
Lineker has already begun a new venture presenting the popular podcast, The Rest is Football.
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Gary Lineker came under fire with the BBC for tweeting about politics GettyThe first episode aired in August 2023 and gained traction this summer as Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards regularly spoke about England's journey at Euro 2024.
Lineker made headlines when he branded England's performance against Denmark 's***'.
He's also landed himself in hot water with BBC chiefs in the past over his social media activity.
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