Overview

• Gary Lineker announced he will step down as host of 'Match of the Day' after the 2024-25 football season, ending a tenure that began in 1999.
• Lineker will continue working with the BBC, hosting FA Cup coverage and producing podcasts through to the 2026 World Cup.
• The BBC has yet to confirm a replacement, but Alex Scott, Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates, and Gabby Logan are among those speculated to take over the role.
• Alex Scott, a former England footballer and current BBC presenter, revealed facing severe online abuse, including acid attack threats, as her public profile has grown.
• Lineker described his departure as the right time for change, noting plans to evolve the format of 'Match of the Day' moving forward.