Gary Lineker‘s future because the BBC‘s highest-paid presenter seems to be doubtful after the leak of an electronic mail purporting to be a draft announcement about his departure.
MailOnline mentioned it had seen an electronic mail that prompt BBC chiefs, together with director normal Tim Davie, have been drawing up a press discover about Lineker’s exit. MailOnline mentioned it was unable to substantiate the authenticity of the e-mail. The BBC will not be confirming or denying its existence.
The e-mail purports to be from Alex Kay-Jelski, the BBC’s director of sport, and its contents counsel that Saturday will likely be Lineker’s final look on Match of the Day, the Premier League highlights present. It reportedly includes a remark from Davie, who describes Lineker as a “world-class presenter.”
A BBC insider mentioned Saturday will not be Lineker’s remaining present and there are not any imminent plans to announce his departure, although it’s accepted he’s within the remaining 12 months of his deal. A BBC spokesperson mentioned: “We’ve got nothing to announce and we’ve got not agreed subsequent steps with regard to his contract. He’s below contract till the top of the season.”
Deadline has contacted Lineker’s agent for remark. Approached for remark by MailOnline, Lineker instructed a reporter: “F*** off, I received’t speak to you. Go away.”
Lineker has offered Match of the Day for 25 years and has been the BBC’s highest-paid presenter for the previous seven years, incomes £1.35M ($1.8M). He’s extremely regarded by BBC administration and well liked by audiences, however his relationship with the company has turn into fractious over his use of social media.
Lineker was briefly suspended final 12 months over a single tweet, through which he in contrast authorities rhetoric on asylum seekers to Nazi Germany. His punishment sparked embarrassment for the BBC as different sports activities presenters walked out in solidarity. Lineker was swiftly reinstated. Questions have continued to be raised about his impartiality on X (previously Twitter) although his posting on the platform has decreased considerably in latest months.
Lineker was requested about his future on the BBC in an interview with a colleague earlier this 12 months. He mentioned: “We’ll have to attend and see what occurs. It’s an ever-changing feast, soccer, and tv and soccer, and rights for the Premier League and stuff like that so all of these items will play a component. However I simply really feel that it’s been a privilege to current it for 25 years now. I have to be getting outdated.”
