BBC chief Alex Kay-Jelski is reportedly unhappy with some comments made by Gary Lineker on his Rest is Football podcast as exit speculation continues to swirl.
Lineker has been the host of Match of the Day ever since 1999, when he replaced Des Lynham.
Earlier this week, the Daily Mail claimed that an email had been drafted up in preparation of Lineker’s potential departure.
The former footballer, for his part, made a quip about his future on last night’s episode of Match of the Day – saying it would be his ‘last show’ until after the international break.
According to the same publication, BBC director of sport Kay-Jelski wants to ‘shake things up’.
He also wants to lure in a younger audience, with some younger viewers preferring to watch goals go in on Sky Sports’ YouTube channels instead.
It’s also claimed, rather intriguingly, that Kay-Jelski is ‘unhappy’ with some of the ‘strident’ comments Lineker has made on his Rest is Football podcast.
He was scathing in his criticism of Gareth Southgate back in the summer as England battled their way to the final of Euro 2024.
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Lineker even described one performance as ‘s**t’, raising eyebrows in the process.
The BBC have refused to comment on the alleged leaked email but says they are yet to agree a new deal with the former England star.
Lineker’s contract, as things stand, is due to expire next summer.
An insider close to the BBC presenter has defended Lineker and says he ‘doesn’t deserve this’ as the MOTD host continues to be locked in talks over a new contract.
Lineker is reportedly willing to take a pay cut, with the 63-year-old the BBC’s highest-paid presenter.
The source is quoted as saying: “Gary doesn’t deserve this.
“If they are worried about how much they pay him, then they should pay him less.
“What’s Gary supposed to do?”
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They then added: “There’s a lot of speculation about his future. I don’t think he can understand why.
“He’s been a great presenter, people love him. He’s Mr Football. The BBC are lucky to have had him.
“He’s not short of offers.”
Lineker wasn’t forthcoming when the Mail asked him about his situation outside his house.
He reportedly told a reporter to ‘f**k off’ as he refused to give anything away.
Alan Shearer was said to have been tight-lipped when he was asked about Lineker’s future, too.
