There’s a growing internal debate at the BBC over the future of Match of the Day, especially after Gary Lineker’s announcement that he’ll be stepping down at the end of the season.
The corporation has big plans to shake up the show, but not everyone is on board with the direction being proposed.
Lineker’s Departure and Pay Cut
After 25 years of hosting the flagship football program, Lineker confirmed that he would leave his role at the end of the current season.
At 63 years old, Lineker was reportedly willing to accept a significant pay cut of £350,000, reducing his annual salary from £1.35 million, in an effort to remain with the show.
However, despite this, BBC’s new leadership, under Alex Kay-Jelski, appears keen on making some changes, including the idea of rotating presenters.
Rotating Hosts: Mark Chapman and Kelly Somers in the Frame
There has been talk of introducing a rotating cast of presenters for Match of the Day, with names like Mark Chapman and Kelly Somers reportedly under consideration.
However, sources close to the situation suggest that Chapman isn’t enthusiastic about the idea of job-sharing.
Chapman, who currently hosts Match of the Day 2, has made it clear he prefers a singular role and is not interested in splitting the hosting duties with Somers.
A source close to the BBC revealed, “As soon as Gary’s deal was done, Alex made it clear he wanted Mark and Kelly to take over.
It would effectively be a job share. But Mark has firmly rejected that idea—he wants the job to be his alone.”
This puts the BBC in a tricky situation as they thought they had found an easy solution.
Now, negotiations are ongoing to figure out the next steps.
The End of an Era for Match of the Day
Gary Lineker has been synonymous with Match of the Day for over two decades.
His departure marks the end of an era for one of the UK’s most beloved football programs.
Lineker became a household name not just for his football achievements but for his charismatic hosting.
One memorable moment was when he presented the show in his underwear, as part of a bet after his Leicester City side won the Premier League title in 2016.
A Long-Standing BBC Relationship
Lineker’s relationship with the BBC has been a lengthy one, spanning his football career and his years as a broadcaster.
He is currently the highest-paid presenter at the BBC, with a salary of £1.35 million.
His exit from Match of the Day will close an important chapter for the program, which has been a staple of British television for decades.
Lineker has also faced some controversy in recent months.
His criticism of England’s performance in a 1-1 draw against Denmark this summer, where he described the team’s play as “s***,” led to backlash, including from Harry Kane, who defended the national team’s effort.
Despite the challenges, Lineker will continue to host his successful podcast with fellow pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards after his departure from the show.
What’s Next for the Show?
With Lineker’s exit and the ongoing debates around new hosting arrangements, Match of the Day is at a crossroads.
The BBC must navigate these changes carefully to maintain the show’s popularity and legacy, all while dealing with the complexities of internal disagreements over its future direction.
The coming months will reveal whether the rotating host format can work or if a new solution will emerge.
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