BBC silent over Gary Lineker ’email’ saying he will leave Match of the Day – Wales Online
The BBC has chosen not to provide any statement regarding a leaked draft ’email’ that allegedly reveals Gary Lineker’s intention to depart from Match of the Day. According to the Daily Mail, the ’email’ contained a draft statement indicating that Saturday, October 5, would mark Lineker’s final appearance as the host of the show. While the authenticity of the message could not be confirmed, the BBC refrained from commenting on whether the ’email’ was legitimate, although they did mention that Lineker is contracted until the end of the season. The ’email’ purportedly bore the name of the BBC’s new director of sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, and included a comment from director general Tim Davie commending Lineker’s “incredible” career as a “world-class presenter”. Lineker has been associated with the programme for 25 years.
Last season, Lineker was involved in a dispute over his opinions on government immigration policy, leading to the show’s temporary suspension for one episode. Lineker, who is the highest-paid presenter at the BBC, earning £1.35m, has declined to offer a statement. As reported by The Times, when approached by a journalist outside his residence, Lineker responded with a profanity. The leak has prompted the BBC to launch an investigation to determine its source, as opposed to refuting the ’email’s’ authenticity. Lineker is purportedly in discussions with BBC executives as his contract is set to conclude at the end of the 2024-25 season. BBC employees expressed bewilderment at the reports, stating that terminating a star’s contract prematurely goes against the BBC’s usual practices.
The leaked ’email’ has unsettled staff, fuelling speculation that negotiations may not be progressing smoothly. An unnamed source mentioned concerns within the BBC about a possible fallout within the institution’s ranks, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty. Lineker recently expressed his current enjoyment of the role, emphasising that it has been a privilege to host Match of the Day for an extended period. A BBC spokesperson reiterated that there are no impending announcements and that Lineker’s contract remains in effect until the end of the season.
This story is available on Wales Online.