Gary Lineker will leave Match of the Day at the end of the 2024/25 season, according to reports, with Gabby Logan being tipped as one of the joint-favourites to replace him.
The 63-year-old, who succeeded Des Lynam as the host of Match of the Day in 1999, is set to step away from hosting duties with the BBC, which involves ending his tenure with MOTD.
It is said Lineker will remain a part of their FA Cup coverage for the 2025/26 campaign but he is ‘set to leave the BBC completely’ after the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
At this stage, it is unclear who will take over from Lineker but Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan are currently the joint-favourites with William Hill at 5/2.
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards, a regular pundit on the show, is priced up at 4/1, while popular Football Focus host Alex Scott is currently at 5/1 in the standings.
Dion Dublin [6/1], Clare Balding [7/1] and Jason Mohammad [10/1] are also in the mixer, while another Match of the Day regular, Alan Shearer, is further down the pecking order at 14/1.
William Hill spokesman Lee Phelps gave an insight into the current situation.
“There is plenty of speculation regarding Gary Lineker’s future as the host of Match of the Day and we have two contenders neck and neck to replace him,” he told The Sun.
“Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan look to be the standout candidates, tied at 5/2 to take on the presenting duties, but at this stage there are plenty of other names in the conversation too.
“Former players Micah Richards (4/1), Alex Scott (5/1) and Dion Dublin (6/1) are all in the mix, while experienced presenters Clare Balding (7/1) and Jason Mohammad (10/1) cannot be ruled out.
“Martin Keown and David Moyes are among the long shots for one of the most prestigious roles on UK TV.”
Speaking on his podcast, Lineker recently dropped a hint about leaving the show.
“I could do. Whether that will be the case I don’t know,” he said. “At some point, I have to slow down somewhere… I’m getting old.”