England icon Gary Lineker hints at potential Match of the Day extension after Jermaine Jenas sacking

Jermaine Jenas was reportedly being lined up as Lineker's successor as Match of the Day host. However, the 41-year-old's sacking by the BBC after admitting to sending "inappropriate messages" to female colleagues has ended those rumours. In light of this, Lineker appears to have suggested he is open to extending his current contract - which runs until 2025.

The former England striker told The Independent: “Match Of The Day is such an iconic show, 60 years is such a long time and I have presented it for 25 of those years. Podcast-wise, things have really exceeded our expectations but at the same time, I love being part of Match Of The Day, I love working for the BBC, I know it has its issues and it has its troubles but I think it’s brilliant. I think sometimes we don’t shout about how good we are at the BBC and what we offer.”

Lineker's time at the BBC looked like it could be over after he criticised the British government's asylum policy via X, formerly Twitter, back in March 2023. The former Tottenham striker also called out then-Home Secretary Suella Braverman for her messaging on migrants crossing the English Channel. The BBC then said he would step back from his MOTD position but that led to his colleagues pulling out of their respective BBC Sport roles in solidarity. The matter was later resolved and Lineker has resumed his MOTD duties, but Jenas' career may be beyond repair after his scandal.

Lineker, who also runs the successful podcast The Rest is Football alongside Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, will likely be in talks with the BBC about his future in the coming months. He will continue to host MOTD, too. Jenas, on the other hand, is fighting to save his career and marriage.