Gary Lineker addresses Match of the Day future live on TV after exit rumours | Football

The sports broadcaster and former professional footballer has been hosting the iconic BBC show for 25 years but speculation in the week had suggested that this week could be his last.

Emails reportedly seen by the Daily Mail claimed to show that the broadcaster was gearing up to announce his imminent departure, including a note from director general Tim Davie paying tribute to the ‘world-class presenter’.

The BBC haver since denied any such pending announcement and said Lineker was still under contract until the end of the season.

And introducing this week’s show, Lineker made light of the rumours, saying: ‘Hello. Seven games on the way and it’s my final show… before the international break.’

The most high-profile incident occurred in March last year when Lineker was required to step back from presenting on the BBC for three days after he openly criticised the government’s immigration policy.

His social media post compared the Home Office’s migrant boat policy to Nazi Germany, sparking both widespread praise and criticism.

The decision led to a bizarre incident where the show was broadcast without presenters, pundits or its usual commentators when on-screen staff refused to appear on the show in a show of solidarity towards Lineker.

The 63-year-old was eventually allowed to return, although he’s not been involved in the BBC’s new Champions League highlights show.

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