Former BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson has claimed Gary Lineker “has just had enough” as the long-serving Match of the Day host prepares to step down from the programme.
Speaking to GB News, Lawrenson suggested Mark Chapman as the ideal replacement for Lineker.
“If you’re asking me who I think should get it, I would say Mark Chapman”, Lawrenson said.
“Mark Chapman does Match of the Day 2 so he would slip into Gary’s chair quite easily I would have thought. He does 5 Live, he’s very talented.”
Lawrenson praised Lineker’s longevity, adding: “How many people stay on the telly for 26 years?”
The BBC confirmed on Tuesday that Lineker will leave Match of the Day at the end of the current season after 25 years as host.
The 63-year-old will not be departing the BBC entirely, having agreed a contract extension through to the 2026 World Cup.
He will continue to present FA Cup coverage for the 2025-26 season and lead the corporation’s World Cup coverage from the United States, Mexico and Canada.
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Lineker has been the face of Match of the Day since 1999, with his current annual salary estimated at £1.35 million, making him the BBC’s highest-paid presenter.
Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport, praised Lineker’s contribution in an official statement.
“Gary is a world-class presenter, and we’re delighted that he’ll lead our coverage of the next World Cup and continue to lead our live coverage of the FA Cup,” he said.
“After 25 seasons Gary is stepping down from MOTD. We want to thank him for everything he has done for the show, which continues to attract millions of viewers each week.”
Kay-Jelski added: “He’ll be hugely missed on the show but we’re so happy he is staying with the BBC to present live football.”
The BBC is reportedly considering a major shake-up to Match of the Day, with several potential hosts being considered to replace Lineker.
Mark Chapman, who currently presents Match of the Day 2 and hosts Sports Report on 5 Live, is among the leading candidates.
Other contenders include Alex Scott, who has presented Football Focus and The One Show since retiring from professional football in 2017.
Gabby Logan, who has previously hosted MOTD in Lineker’s absence and fronted the BBC’s Women’s Euros coverage, is also in the running.
The Sun reports that one option being considered is rotating multiple presenters on a semi-regular basis.