The uncertainty surrounding Gary Lineker’s BBC future is ‘increasingly unsettling’ Match of the Day staff, according to reports.
Lineker’s future with the TV channel has been a hot topic of late after it emerged he’s entered the final year of his contract.
The 63-year-old was evasive when asked whether he wanted to sign an extension with the BBC back in August.
“I don’t… I don’t know!” Lineker said.
Gary Lineker is out of contract next yearGetty
“Depends how long they want me, I suppose.
“I love doing it at the moment; I’ve still got another year left, at least.”
He added: “So we’ll have to wait and see what happens.
“Obviously it’s another change in football and television and the rights of the Premier League and stuff like that.”
But new reports have emerged claiming that a statement has already been drafted up preparing for Lineker’s departure.
There was also a suggestion that the Match of the Day programme on October 5 could be Lineker’s final show.
However, the BBC have denied the reports, insisting he is ‘under contract until the end of the season’.
All the uncertainty surrounding Lineker’s future has caused turmoil behind the scenes though with the Daily Mail reporting staff on Match of the Day are ‘unsettled’.
A source said: “Lineker’s future has been a hot topic within the BBC for some time.
Gary Lineker has hosted Match of the Day for 25 years
PA
“There’s a belief his time is coming to an end, but speculation surrounding the rumoured speediness of his departure has ramped up since this email has come to light.
“Staffers feel it would be strange for such an esteemed broadcaster to leave so early into the football season, and not receive a big send off – just like veteran pundit Ian Wright experienced last May.
“This has only intensified feelings there may have been another fallout within the ranks, and it’s increasingly unsettling for everybody involved.”
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Gary Lineker is unsure whether he will be offered a new contract
GETTY
Lineker has been the main presenter for Match of the Day for 25 years and said this week how much he ‘loves’ working for the BBC.
He has been the BBC’s highest-paid star for six consecutive years with his current salary being £1.35million.