BBC Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski is reportedly in talks with Alex Scott about potentially replacing Gary Lineker on Match of the Day.
It was confirmed on Tuesday that Lineker would be leaving MOTD at the end of the season before departing the BBC for good in 2026.
Lineker has agreed to stay on to spearhead the Beeb’s coverage of next season’s FA Cup.
And he’ll also be presenting the 2026 World Cup, providing the corporation acquires the rights to the huge football tournament.
BBC Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski is reportedly in talks with Alex Scott about potentially replacing Gary Lineker on Match of the Day
PA
When it comes to Match of the Day, reports have suggested that multiple presenters may be part of a rotation system.
Scott, Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Somers are all in the frame to host the popular football highlights show, which is still going strong despite fierce competition.
According to the Daily Mail, Kay-Jelski is already in talks with Scott.
It’s claimed he feels she would be ‘great’ as the next host of Match of the Day, despite viewing figures for Football Focus falling since she replaced Dan Walker on the show in 2021.
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One insider at the BBC has claimed Lineker’s departure represents a ‘coup’ for Kay-Jelski.
It’s also said that Lineker ‘did what he liked’ during his time at the BBC and that was something his boss was keen to address.
A source was quoted as saying: “Gary has done what he has liked at the BBC for so many years.
“Alex wasn’t scared though. He knew he didn’t have long to wait around and make a change, and it was pretty much an open secret at the BBC that Alex wanted to change things up when it came to Gary.
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“What a coup for him.”
The report also says that Kay-Jelski reducing Lineker’s role was ‘not easy’.
It’s said the former footballer’s agent, Jon Holmes, was fierce in negotiations – having previously made it clear that Lineker would leave on his own terms.
Another insider reportedly stated: “Jon has been at Gary’s side for years and you certainly don’t want to get on the wrong side of him.
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BBC Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski was eager to jettison Gary Lineker
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“This time, Team Lineker didn’t manage to keep him on the TV. Perhaps times really are changing.
“Even the offer of taking a pay cut as big as £350,000 wasn’t enough, so there must have been a tremendous power shift in the end.
“There was always going to be a stand-off; both sides were fighting hard for what they wanted.”
Lineker is poised to focus on his Rest is Football podcast once his time with the BBC comes to an end.
Gary Lineker will be leaving Match of the Day at the end of the season before departing the BBC for good in 2026
PA
As part of his new deal with the BBC, one episode of the podcast a week will be streamed on BBC Sounds.
Alan Shearer and Micah Richards often appear alongside Lineker and it’ll be interesting to see whether the pair continue to work for the broadcaster now their close friend’s departure has been confirmed.
