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      Roman Kemp lined up for shock job with Match Of The Day as part of shake-up in wake of Gary Lineker exit

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      ROMAN Kemp is being courted by the BBC’s Director of Sport for a new role on Match Of The Day.The move comes after Gary Lineker stepped down from his role as the host of the flagship football show after 25 years at the helm.Roman Kemp is being lined up as the next host of Match of the DayCredit: Maxtrix PicturesThe BBC’s Head of Sport is courting the TV presenter following Gary Lineker’s decision to step down after 25 yearsCredit: PARoman, 31, already has a large following online as the Beeb plan to modernise the programmeCredit: GettyInsiders said BBC boss Alex Kay-Jelski wanted TV star Roman, 31, for a digital role as the show modernises in the years to come.A source said: “Match Of The Day is moving with the times and next season there will be more of a focus on digital highlights.“Alex has been speaking with Roman about possibly coming on board and how it could work.”Roman has a massive following online and is hugely popular with a younger audience thanks to his years hosting the Breakfast Show on Capital FM.more on match of the day“He is also a huge Arsenal fan and knows what he is talking about when it comes to football.“It is very much in the early stages but Match Of The Day is coming into a new digital age and Alex would love to have Roman front and centre.”The move comes after the BBC struck a new deal with the Premier League which means they will be able to share match highlights before Match Of The Day airs.The agreement means that the BBC will be putting a renewed focus on their digital and social output.Most read in SportFollowing Gary’s decision to step down this week, the BBC are now looking for a new host of the show.Mark Chapman refuses Match of the Day job share as Gary Lineker quits after 25 yearsThe Sun revealed this week how MOTD2 host Mark Chapman was offered the role as a job share alongside rising star Kelly Somers – but turned it down.We first revealed how Gary, 63, had agreed to step away from Match Of The Day on Tuesday.He will host MOTD until the end of the season and anchor the FA Cup in 2025 and 2026, along with fronting the BBC’s coverage of the next World Cup.Roman has a massive following online and is hugely popular with a younger audience thanks to his years hosting the Breakfast Show on Capital FMBBC sourceGary will continue to host the MOTD Top Ten podcast and the BBC will also now host his popular The Rest is Football podcast on BBC Sounds.The podcast – which also features Alan Shearer and Micah Richards – is part of Goalhanger productions, co-founded by Gary.A spokesperson for the BBC added: “It would be an own goal to comment on every name put to us – but any new signings will be announced as soon as deals are done.”Who could replace Gary Lineker as MOTD host?GARY LINEKER dropped the shock news that he is QUITTING Match of the Day.The popular presenter, 63, took over hosting duties on the flagship BBC programme from Des Lynam in 1999.But after more than 25 years in the studio hotseat, he has called time on his MOTD gig.But as part of a huge shake-up, the BBC is considering rotating the presenters on a weekly basis.So with Lineker vacating the chair, new names will step into his giant boots. But who could they be?MARK CHAPMANChapman, 51, is the obvious early favourite to follow on from Lineker as MOTD presenter.He already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday night plus landed the presenting job for the new BBC Champions League highlights show.ALEX SCOTTScott gets the nod from the Beeb bosses when Lineker is away.The former right-back, 40, is used to presenting the Saturday night show as well as live match coverage – plus ticks the box as a former England international.GABBY LOGANLike Scott, Logan, 51, is one of the understudies to step in when Lineker is not available.She has done most gigs since joining the BBC in 2007, including Olympics, Sports Personality of the Year and Final Score.MICAH RICHARDSLineker’s top pick to replace him is exuberant former Man City defender Richards.The departing host told his close pal, 36, on their Stick to Football podcast: “I’d love to see you take over Micah, I think you’d be brilliant in the chair.”JASON MOHAMMADMohammad could earn the “promotion” from Final Score to Match of the Day.The 51-year-old Welshman – who took over from Logan in 2013 – is one of the BBC’s top earners already and is more senior than fellow Final Score and BBC Sport broadcaster Kelly Somers, who could in theory become the main live host for the afternoon slot.JEFF STELLINGHe couldn’t, could he? While Lineker has been the face of Saturday night TV for football fans for years, the face of the afternoons was Stelling in his role as Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday presenter.He would bring plenty of on-screen charisma, wit and legendary TV expertise – but at nearly 70 and currently with talkSPORT, the Hartlepool fan would not be a cheap or long-term appointment. More

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      Inside MOTD favourite Mark Chapman’s relationship with Dubai-based estate agent after tragically losing his wife

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      MARK CHAPMAN is favourite to replace outgoing Match of the Day host Gary Lineker in the BBC hot-seat.And the legendary broadcaster has found happiness away from the TV cameras too, finding new love with partner Clere Collier.Mark Chapman is favourite to replace Gary Lineker as host of Match of the DayCredit: GettyThe BBC broadcaster is dating Dubai-based estate agent Clere CollierCredit: X @ClereCollierChapman, 51, has been dating Clere since the start of the year with the pair regularly posting loved-up snaps on social media together.Divorcee Clere is a Dubai-based estate agent who runs an international property empire and splits her time between the UK and the UAE.Despite the challenge of living on different continents, Clere and Chapman have found ways to see each other.Chapman jetted out to Dubai for an Easter break earlier in the year.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhile mother-of-two Clere is regularly visiting Chapman in Manchester, where the BBC star lives.For Chapman, it’s his first relationship since the tragic loss of his wife Sara to cancer in 2020.The pair were married for 19 years and welcomed three children together.But after battling with the heartbreak and loss of Sara, Chapman has found new love with Clere.Most read in FootballChapman lost wife Sara to cancer in 2020Credit: TwitterFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSClere, who was married to ex-husband James for three years before they split, announced her relationship with Chapman in January of this year.And the smitten couple have already celebrated milestones together as the property expert took to social media to wish Chapman a happy 51st birthday last month.BBC host Mark Chapman jokes he’s ‘glad Rod Stewart’s not beside me’ for complicated Carabao Cup draw as fans slam ‘fix’ She wrote: “Happy birthday to this one. My one love.”So proud of all you do, the biggest heart, the kindest soul, the leader of our pack and not to mention devilishly handsome. I love you, happy 51.”Chapman is one of the leading sports broadcasters in the UK and has got to his level through immense amounts of hard work and dedication.The MOTD 2 host already splits his time between a range of programmes on Radio 5 Live, live coverage of the FA Cup on the BBC, Carabao Cup fixtures on Sky Sports and occasionally NFL broadcasts.Now Chapman has his eyes on the Match of the Day presenter job after Gary Lineker announced he will be stepping down from the role at the end of the season following 25 years as host.However, The Sun exclusively revealed Chapman has refused to share the job with another BBC host.Chapman remains favourite to take the Beeb’s biggest job, but it’s understood that the broadcasters are hoping to split duties between ‘Chappers’ and another lead presenter.Ultimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here.Kelly Somers, who regularly appears on BBC show Final Score, is one of the names touted to share the role.But other pundits across the football world have claimed that it’s not right to shake up the MOTD coverage, suggesting just one presenter should get the role.Former Rangers star Ally McCoist said: “I don’t know about a job share…”. While former Watford striker and SunSport columnist Troy Deeney was quick to agree.Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: “Yeah, I was about to say the same thing. I feel it’s an iconic show and you’re used to seeing one person.”I want to go and see one person, whether that be Chappers or that be Kelly. I know both of them, great, great people.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So whoever you choose to go with, I think trying to job share it is a cop out, in my opinion.”Make a decision, go with somebody and then we all know that’s where the show’s going, that’s who it is.”Gary Lineker will step down as Match of the Day host at the end of the seasonCredit: ReutersChapman is reluctant to share the role as hostCredit: GettyBBC presenter Kelly Somers has been linked with splitting the role with ChapmanCredit: Getty More

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      MOTD favourite Alex Scott, 40, dazzles as she steps out in 1920s-inspired outfit with snowy-white coat

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      ALEX Scott goes from Football Focus to fluffy flapper in a 1920s-inspired outfit including a snowy-white coat. The former Lioness, 40, in the running to be Match of the Day’s new host, was seen leaving a party at Claridge’s Hotel in London’s Mayfair.Alex Scott stepped out in London in a 1920s-inspired outfit including a snowy-white coatCredit: GoffAlex is in the running to be Match of the Day’s new hostCredit: GoffAlex, who’s hosted Football focus for three years, is now one of the favourites to take over from Gary Lineker as host of Match of the Day.Gary Lineker announced earlier this week that he was quitting Match of the Day at the end of the season.The popular presenter, 63, took over hosting duties on the flagship BBC programme from Des Lynam in 1999.A BBC source said: “Gary absolutely adores Match of the Day and has been incredibly happy at the BBC.read more alex scott“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.“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.Most read in Football“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.”TV presenters Alex Scott and Jules Breach stun on red carpet for PFA awards night in daring outfits More

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      BBC staff fear MOTD will go woke after ruined Football Focus was geared towards ‘snowflakes and millennials’

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      RANK and file staff at the BBC fear Gary Lineker’s departure could see Match of the Day go woke — just like much-mocked Football Focus.They predict some of the traditional fans’ favourite pundits could be ditched to reduce the number of middle-aged, male former players.BBC staff fear Gary Lineker’s departure could see Match of the Day go wokeCredit: GettyAlex Kay-Jelski, who became the BBC’s Director of Sport seven months agoInstead, under Alex Kay-Jelski who became Director of Sport seven months ago, they could be replaced by online influencers and celebrities.That has happened on sister show Football Focus, with core viewers complaining it is being geared more towards “millennials and snowflakes”.A BBC insider said: “The hope would be to draw in younger, new audiences — but the danger is they end up alienating their current viewers and driving them away.“Everyone expects there to be some changes but they don’t want to have MOTD left unrecognisable just because of the whims of a handful of executives.READ MORE ON MATCH OF THE DAY“They want experts on the show who have some genuine expertise and experience, not amateurs who are brought on for their star appeal or online pulling power.“But with change at the top, there’s the concern that the BBC will take the chance to make a major overhaul.”The Sun exclusively revealed on Tuesday that ex-England captain Gary, 63, was leaving as the show’s frontman after 25 years.Yesterday it emerged that bosses wanted Mark Chapman and Kelly Somers to take turns as host, but Chappers is against the idea. MOTD this year celebrated its 60th birthday while Football Focus has been screened on Saturday afternoons since 1974.Most read in FootballHowever, it has been derided due to some of the stars featured.These include Love Island’s Jordan Mainoo-Hames interviewing players, and actors Will Mellor and Ralf Little who appeared together in BBC sitcom Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps.Mark Chapman refuses Match of the Day job share as Gary Lineker quits after 25 yearsFormer Lioness Alex Scott took over as host of the show in 2021.By last year it had lost a third of its viewers in the space of four years, leaving some fearing the Beeb may end up axing it.Previous presenter Dan Walker said at the time: “It’s hard to see Football Focus struggling. I loved it growing up and it was an honour to host it and I still miss it.“We poured everything into that show each week and worked hard to keep it relevant. I hope it stays part of the TV landscape.” More

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      Match of the Day job share would be a ‘COP OUT’ say ex-footballers as controversial plan to replace Lineker revealed

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      ONLY one person should be appointed to replace Gary Lineker as Match of the Day presenter, according to ex-footballers Ally McCoist and Troy Deeney.Lineker will step down from his role at the end of the season having fronted Match of the Day for the last 25 years.Gary Lineker will quit Match of the Day at the end of the seasonCredit: PAMark Chapman is the favourite for the role but has no interest in a job shareCredit: GettyKelly Somers is also in the runningCredit: GettyMOTD2 presenter Mark Chapman is one of the favourites to replace him.The Sun exclusively revealed on Tuesday that BBC bosses want him to share the role with Kelly Somers.However, ‘Chappers’ has no interest in a job share.A source said: “He doesn’t want a job share, he wants Gary’s role as his own, which is understandable.Read More in Football”It’s a headache for the BBC because they thought they’d found an easy solution.”Rangers legend McCoist believes it would be wrong to appoint two people for the job.Discussing the issue on talkSPORT Breakfast, the 62-year-old said: “I don’t know about a job share…”SunSport columnist Deeney was quick to agree and explained: “Yeah, I was about to say the same thing. I feel it’s an iconic show and you’re used to seeing one person.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I want to go and see one person, whether that be Chappers or that be Kelly. I know both of them, great, great people. “So whoever you choose to go with, I think trying to job share it is a cop out, in my opinion.Gary Lineker will stop presenting Match of the Day the end of this season at and will quit Beeb by 2027″Make a decision, go with somebody and then we all know that’s where the show’s going, that’s who it is.”McCoist then went on to say: “I’ve grown up with it, I’ve always loved it. I really have. I’ve loved it. And I’m with you mate.”I think whether it’s Chappers or Kelly, I think you should have one focal point presenting it. And it’s a tough job to follow because Gary’s been brilliant. “Gary’s been brilliant since 1999, 24, 25 years and like Des Lynam before him, all the guys before him are iconic. But you make an interesting point, Shebahn, like anything else, like newspapers, for example. It is really hard to be a part of it. “We’re seeing the goals before we pick up a newspaper. We’ve seen the goals before we watch Match of the Day – we’ve known all about the sending offs, everything, so it’s very, very difficult to keep it as topical as possible.”But for me, guys… I think it should be one person, new person fronting it.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBBC chiefs are still in the process of appointing a new full-time Match of the Day presenter.Whoever is selected will likely step into the role from the start of the 2025-26 season.Ally McCoist does not believe the job should be sharedCredit: GettyTroy Deeney is also not convinced it would be the right moveCredit: The Mega Agency More

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      Fresh row at BBC as host Mark Chapman refuses to share MOTD job with female star after Gary Lineker quit

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      A ROW has kicked off over who replaces Gary Lineker after 25 years hosting Match of the Day — with bosses pushing for a job share.They want Mark Chapman and Kelly Somers to take turns in the hot seat, but insiders said bookies’ pick Chappers is not a fan of the idea.Mark Chapman is ruling out a Match of the Day job shareCredit: GettyBBC bosses want Kelly Somers to take turns in the hot seatCredit: GettyGary Lineker was spotted walking his dog yesterdayCredit: PAA source said: “It’s a headache for the BBC.”Chapman has flatly refused a Match of the Day job share.The 51-year-old, currently hosting Match of the Day 2, made it clear he does not want to split the bigger role with Kelly Somers, 33.BBC Sport Director Alex Kay-Jelski is keen on the sharing plan.Read More on SportBut insiders said bookies’ favourite Chappers — recently named frontman for the BBC’s new Champions League highlights show — has declined the offer. A source said: “As soon as Gary’s deal was done, Alex made it clear he wanted Mark and Kelly to replace him.“It would effectively be a job share and they would rotate hosting duties between them.“Mark has made it clear within the team at MOTD that this isn’t something he would want to do.Most read in Football“He doesn’t want a job share, he wants Gary’s role as his own, which is understandable.“It’s a headache for the BBC because they thought they’d found an easy solution.Gary Lineker will stop presenting Match of the Day the end of this season at and will quit Beeb by 2027“It’s back to the drawing board and negotiations are ongoing.”BBC Sport reporter Somers is in the frame after winning fans with her Euros coverage this summer. In recent years she has worked for Premier League Productions, BBC’s Final Score, talkSPORT, West Ham United and the Women’s Football League Show.Yesterday the BBC confirmed The Sun’s exclusive story about Lineker’s departure.The 63-year-old will leave MOTD at the end of the season. He will anchor BBC FA Cup ­coverage in 2025 and 2026, along with the next World Cup.In a statement, the BBC said: “After 25 seasons Gary is stepping down from MOTD. We want to thank him for everything he has done for the show.“He’ll be hugely missed on the show but we’re so happy he is staying with the BBC to present live football.” The Sun revealed Lineker, spotted walking his dog yesterday, was in talks over a new deal in September. Insiders said he wanted a multi-year contract and offered to take a pay cut.However, after weeks of tense negotiations, the BBC agreed only to extend his MOTD deal to the end of this season.It is understood his new contract pays at least £500,000 less.Lineker will continue to host the MOTD Top Ten podcast and The Rest is Football — part of his own stable of podcasts — will now be available on BBC Sounds.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe podcast attracted headlines during the Euros when Lineker described an early England performance as “s**t” — a much punchier verdict than the reaction he gave on the BBC.The BBC declined to comment last night.Chapman has recently been named frontman for the BBC’s new Champions League highlights showCredit: GettySomers is in the frame after winning fans with her Euros coverage this summerCredit: Instagram @kellyesomersLineker will quit the role after 25 years hosting the showCredit: Doug Seeburg More

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      Gary Lineker ‘could be snapped up by Netflix & DOUBLE £30m fortune’ after building TV empire away from Match of the Day

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      HE may be giving up his £1.36 million-a-year job, but the BBC’s highest-paid star will be just fine after building a canny media empire of his own.We revealed this week that Gary Lineker will be leaving Match of the Day after 25 years at the end of this season.Gary Lineker will leave Match of the Day at the end of the seasonCredit: BBCHis own company has had success with documentaries like Football, Prince William & Our Mental HealthCredit: BBC SportHe has struck deals for the likes for Vision Express. Pictured in a photoshoot for the brandCredit: SWNSThe football pundit will quit the BBC after anchoring the Corporation’s 2025/26 FA Cup coverage and the next World Cup.In a statement confirming he’s stepping down, Lineker said: “I’m delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen.”While many might shudder at the thought of stepping away from such a well-paid role, Lineker’s booming projects away from the Beeb could still see his estimated £30million fortune DOUBLE in the coming years, according to experts.And it’s all thanks to his TV production company, Goalhanger Films.READ MORE SPORTS FEATURESThe firm has already been behind high-profile BBC shows, including Football, Prince William And Our Mental Health in 2020, but it’s also found success with steaming giants, selling a Serena Williams documentary to Amazon last year.Brand and culture expert Nick Ede believes big beasts like Netflix will now have Lineker’s future projects in his sights – and could reward him with a multi-million pound deal, if David Beckham’s £20 million payday was anything to go by.He tells us: “This is a golden moment for Gary to make even more money, spread his broadcasting wings and create compelling content that will help him double his wealth. “I’m sure he will be selling his documentaries and series back to the BBC but now he has the option to sell to the highest bidders with the biggest viewership, making him one of the most powerful men in the media and it’s only going to get more successful for him as the demand is increasing.Most read in Football“Netflix has massive budgets and knows that his shows rate really well, like his Prince William doc. “With his black book full of the greatest sports stars in the world – and royals – plus Netflix’s high demand for content, he will be top of their list for programmes, and could earn tens of millions.”Watch first look trailer for BBC’s ‘Football, Prince William and Our Mental Health’Goalhanger also has an extremely successful podcast production arm, which is now signed up with global entertainment agency WME.In 2022, Lineker hailed  the “incredible growth” of Goalhanger Podcasts, and admitted he could leave the BBC to work on it full time – so it’s very possible that’s what his plans are.He told The New Statesman: “Maybe. Who knows? Life’s thrown many things at me. And I’m 61. “We don’t really know what the boundaries are in terms of growth. But it’s a very, very good business.”Brand dealsThe Rest Is Football podcast has over 320,000 subscribers on YouTubeCredit: The Rest Is FootballLineker has been the face of Walkers for 30 yearsCredit: AlamyHis company has also sold a Serena Williams documentary to AmazonCredit: AFPGoalhanger has produced some of the biggest podcasts in the country, including The Rest Is Politics , hosted by Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart, and The Rest Is History, presented by Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook.And it has found success Stateside recently, too, launching The Rest Is Politics: US.Last year, Gary began fronting The Rest is Football podcast with Micah Richards and Alan Shearer – which has 320,000 subscribers on YouTube.And Nick thinks he’ll continue to earn even more from YouTube thanks to his many brand deals.His most famous is Walkers – who he’s been working with for 30 years, and appeared in over 150 adverts for.Lineker is estimated to earn around £1 million a year from the crisps giant, and signed another three-year deal with them in 2022.He’s also got his own range of specs in high street chain Vision Express, with glasses frames starting at £99 and sunglasses at £39.Shirts brand TM Lewin, also signed Lineker up, to promote its budget range, starting at £25. In 2023, he launched his own line with Next, modelling his own clothes online.Having previously also hosted for the likes of NBC and TNT Sports, Nick says a move to YouTube for Lineker may be on the cards – as he’ll be free from the BBC guidelines.He adds: “He will soon be using YouTube to carry on his football commentary and be able to monetise this.“Without the BBC stronghold for limited commercial activity, he will be getting offers from brands who want to piggyback on the perennial success of his Walkers crisps ads and maximise on his popularity.”Lavish lifeLineker has a £4m mansion in BarnesCredit: SWNS:South West News ServiceThis includes a £50k Jaguar F-PaceCredit: JaguarLineker’s business acumen has led to him owning a £4 million home in Barnes, London – complete with gym and cinema – as well as a car collection worth over £300,000.That included his super-smart Jaguar F-Pace, worth around £50,000.But he’s also been seen riding a Mercedes SL550, BMW 650i convertible, Range Rover Sport and a Jaguar XJ.The hotshot striker was even spied in a £20,000 Mini Cooper Turbo once upon a time.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe car collector has also invested in insurance company, Ticker, which aims to reduce premiums for drivers between the ages of 17 and 25, and is backed by former Formula 1 driver Mark Blundell.Nick finishes: “Lineker has cleverly created a media business that doesn’t need to rely on him and is set to make much more money after BBC.”Lineker has a range with NextCredit: NextHe broke BBC guidelines when he wore his range on the EurosCredit: BBC More

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      BBC speaks out after Gary Lineker QUITS Match of the Day & leaves for good after fronting 2026 World Cup coverage

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      THE BBC have confirmed that Gary Lineker will quit Match of the Day and leave for good after fronting coverage for the 2026 World Cup.It comes after The Sun revealed the former England striker will stop presenting Match of the Day at the end of this season.The BBC have now confirmed Gary Lineker will quit Match of the DayCredit: AlamyThe star has presented the flagship footie show since 1999Credit: BBCBut a new deal with the BBC will keep him on our screensCredit: GettyNow, the BBC have officially confirmed that “world-class presenter” Lineker will quit the hit show.Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport, said: “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.“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.”Read More on Gary LinekerIt comes as…Lineker, who will take a substantial pay cut, will have hosted MOTD for 25 years when he steps down.But – as part of an 18-month contract extension – the 63-year-old will stay on to anchor the Corporation’s 2025/26 FA Cup coverage before bowing out on the biggest stage at the next World Cup.Most read in FootballBreaking his silence today, Lineker said: “I’m delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen.”Anchoring the World Cup, which is being held in Canada, Mexico and the USA, will mean Lineker ends his time covering the most prestigious tournament in football.Gary Lineker’s best Match of the Day momentsThe BBC statement added: “The BBC and Gary Lineker have agreed in principle a contract extension through to the 2026 World Cup. “Gary will lead the coverage of the tournament, as England once again try to land a first major trophy since 1966, the other Home Nations look to qualify and Lionel Messi aims to retain the trophy he won with Argentina.”Gary will also host BBC Sport’s coverage of the FA Cup in the 2025/26 season, 35 years on from lifting the trophy as a player.”The BBC confirmed that Lineker will continue with the MOTD Top Ten podcast and the BBC will also host the hugely popular The Rest is Football podcast on BBC Sounds.The ex-Three Lions bagsman is understood to be on new terms which which will see his salary reduced significantly.He currently receives £1.35million, making him the highest paid broadcaster at the BBC.Over the past two months there has been frenzied speculation that the star was leaving the BBC’s flagship football programme. Last night a BBC source said: “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.“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.”The source paid a touching tribute to Lineker, adding: “Gary is incredibly popular with both players and viewers, and news of his departure will send shock-waves around the Corporation. “In other words, no-one is immune from change.”They added: “Gary will be 65 when he leaves; frankly, he isn’t getting younger. and just feels the time is right to focus solely on his mogul interests outside the BBC – namely his Goalhanger podcasting business which is becoming huge Stateside. “BBC execs, meanwhile, will be giving Match of the Day a reboot to keep it fresh in the wake of such a huge departure.”Lineker’s pay cut, in part, is because he will no longer be fronting MOTD – and stand alone payments for the World Cup and FA Cups won’t compensate for this financially.Thanks for the matchday memories, GaryBy Joshua Jones, Sports ReporterFOR as long as I can remember, Gary Lineker has been the No1 football presenter. Born a few years after his retirement as a player, I have no memories of my own of Lineker on the pitch – for Leicester, Everton, Barcelona, Tottenham or England.Instead, I grew up with him as a regular in our lounge on a Saturday night, hosting Match of the Day. For more than two decades, it has been Lineker, the increasingly silver fox, who provided a sense of continuity and stability, an ever-present regardless of which pundits joined him in the studio and which teams made up the Premier League season after season. An astute understanding of the game, his charming persona and his consistency over the years have made him a firm favourite. It is telling that MOTD continues to be such a success and must-watch viewing for so many in an era when all the goals and incidents from Premier League matches are available well before 10.30pm on a Saturday night. He always seemed to hit the right note, too – whether he was required to make a sombre, serious announcement live on air or signing off the show with one of his trademark quips.In recent years, he has not been afraid to speak his mind more and more, thanks in part to his platform as the top-paid BBC presenter and his huge profile outside of the MOTD studio – namely on social media and on his own podcast.His long run in the Match of the Day hot seat means, for many football fans of my era, our whole football journey has been accompanied by Lineker – from the heights of Premier League title wins and FA Cup upsets to the depths of relegation and, of course, heartbreak with England.Because while the bread and butter Match of the Day is the Saturday night highlights, Lineker has also been the main man for the Three Lions’ major tournaments, having to console millions of BBC viewers after gut-wrenching defeats to Croatia, Italy, France and Spain in recent years while he himself, as big a football fan as any of us, mourned another missed opportunity.There is one Lineker moment that stands out above the rest, though. Of course, Lineker Road in my hometown of Leicester beside the old Filbert Street stadium got its name thanks to his goalscoring exploits for his beloved Foxes.But he deserved a far greater honour for what he did on August 13, 2016, famously presenting MOTD in his (very baggy!) pants, coming good on a promise he vowed should Leicester win the title. And somehow he kept a straight face through it all. Ironically, the biggest compliment many people can pay Lineker as MOTD host is that they didn’t know he was a footballer – he is not just an ex-pro who has made a smooth transition from the stadium to the studio but is instead a brilliant TV presenter in his own right, regardless of his status in football.That is proven by the very fact Lineker succeeded the iconic Des Lynam in 1999 as MOTD host so successfully.It will require another fine presenter and plenty of time to follow in his footsteps as a new era begins.They may well succeed, too, but no one will ever really replace Lineker – what he means to so many football fans and the role he plays in countless memories over the last 25 years. Thank you for everything, Gary. Last month a reported leaked email suggested he could be quitting the long-running series mid-season – promoting Gary to joke on air it was his “last game”- before clarifying he meant before the international break. In a recent interview with Esquire Magazine, the ex-Spurs star was asked if he would be stepping down from the Match of the Day hotseat.He replied: “I could do. “Whether that will be the case I don’t know.”At some point, I have to slow down somewhere… I’m getting old.”The Sun previously revealed Lineker – who took over from Des Lynam in 1999 – was keen to stay on MOTD and had offered to take a pay cut.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Sun understands that the BBC is now planning a number of shake-ups to revive the format once Lineker leaves.One proposed change includes a series of presenters with Mark Chapman, currently host of MOTD2, one of the anchors likely to be rotated. Gary Lineker was spotted in public today after it was revealed he is leaving Match of the DayCredit: SelwynPics More