Former England striker and veteran broadcaster Gary Lineker has reportedly turned down requests to share his presenting wisdom with the new hosts of Match of the Day, leaving some insiders questioning his stance.
According to sources, Lineker, who stepped back from his long-standing role as the show's lead presenter earlier this year, was approached by BBC executives to mentor his replacements. However, the 63-year-old is said to have politely declined, citing a desire to avoid influencing their individual styles.
Behind the Scenes Tension?
While Lineker's decision has been framed as professional courtesy, some within the BBC speculate that lingering tensions from last year's impartiality row may have played a role. The football pundit was briefly taken off air in 2023 after criticising the government's immigration policy on social media - a move that sparked widespread controversy.
Industry insiders suggest the snub could reflect deeper frustrations between Lineker and BBC management. "Gary's always been fiercely protective of Match of the Day," revealed one anonymous source. "His reluctance to engage might signal he's not entirely happy with how the transition's been handled."
New Era for Football Coverage
The BBC has since introduced a rotation of presenters including Jermaine Jenas, Alex Scott and Mark Chapman. Producers maintain this fresh approach has been well received by audiences, with viewing figures remaining stable since Lineker's departure.
When contacted for comment, Lineker's representatives stated: "Gary wishes the new team every success and believes they don't need his input to excel in their roles."
The BBC declined to comment on what they described as "private staffing matters".
