Gary Lineker's future on Match of the Day thrown into doubt with BBC colleague to host new show instead

Gary Lineker has been snubbed from presenting the BBC's new football show, raising questions over his future on Match of the Day.

Lineker has hosted Match of the Day for more than 20 years and remains one of the most recognisable faces in the world of football broadcasting.

He has 12 months left on his existing deal with the BBC and there's uncertainty over whether his contract will be renewed.

Ahead of the new season, BBC will air Champions League highlights, having signed a groundbreaking three-year deal back in 2022.

They have 16 shows planned on Wednesday evenings from September to May.

But Lineker won't be fronting the Champions League show, according to The Telegraph.

Despite hosting Match of the Day, the 63-year-old won't be a part of the BBC's new programme.

The report claims Gabby Logan has been picked by BBC chiefs to host the Champions League show.

Lineker held talks with BBC over their Champions League plans without making him a formal offer.

His busy schedule, which includes his Rest is Football podcast, and reluctance to travel to the BBC studio in Salford from his home in London are believed to have influenced his thinking.

Gary Lineker hosting BBC's coverage of the FA Cup final. Image: Getty

There was already a lack of clarity over Lineker's future following his suspension from Match of the Day last year, which prompted his colleagues to throw their support behind him in solidarity.

The likes of Alan Shearer and Ian Wright backed Lineker - something that embarrassed leading BBC figures, according to the report.

Lineker was reprimanded by the BBC in March 2023 after posting on social media that the Conservative government's language around asylum policy was 'not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s'.

SPORTbible have reached out to Lineker's representatives for comment.