Gary Lineker has announced that he believes it is the "right time" to step down from his role as presenter of Match of the Day, a position he has held for over 20 years. In a recent episode of his podcast, The Rest is Football, the 63-year-old expressed that his experience on the show has been "an absolute joy and privilege." However, he feels it is time for "someone else to take the helm" as the BBC prepares to implement changes to the program.

Gary Lineker has announced that he will step down from his role as the presenter of the Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY) awards, a position he has held for 23 years. The BBC confirmed that the recent awards ceremony, which he co-hosted with former Lionesses player Alex Scott, as well as TV presenters Gabby Logan and Clare Balding, marked his final appearance in this role. This decision comes shortly after Lineker revealed that he would also be leaving his position as the host of Match of the Day (MOTD) at the conclusion of the current Premier League season. However, he will continue to work with the BBC, having secured a contract extension that will keep him with the network until the 2026 World Cup.