Broadcaster Gary Lineker is to step down as host of flagship football programme Match of the Day at the end of this season, BBC News understands. The study also suggests the BBC's plans in the region will help to create more than 900 jobs. Samir Shah says there's a "sense of almost perpetual government review over the BBC".

Gary Lineker will step away from presenting Match of the Day at the end of the season – but will remain with the BBC until the 2026 World Cup. The sports broadcaster and former professional footballer has been hosting the iconic BBC show for 25 years but his future with the programme has come under increased speculation in recent months.

Gary Lineker has been the host of Match of the Day since 1999, but his time as the face of the BBC's flagship football highlights show is reportedly coming to an end

Match of the Day's long-serving host Gary Lineker has faced speculation over his future in the role and now reports have suggested his time on the show is nearly up

Gary Lineker's time as Match of the Day host appears to be coming to an end with the 2023/24 Premier League season set to be his last on the famous BBC show

Gary Lineker is to leave Match Of The Day after 25 years, Sky News understands. The former England striker, who has hosted the BBC Premier League highlights show since 1999, will step down at the end of the current football season, it has been announced.

Gary Lineker has cast further doubt on his BBC future by revealing he could quit Match of the Day to focus on his podcast empire full-time.Lineker said he may refuse to sign a new contract with the corporation to replace the one that expires next year because he was “getting old” and would soon have to “slow down somewhere”.

Gary Lineker is to quit Match of the Day at the end of the season and will leave the BBC following the 2026 World Cup.

Gary Lineker is set to quit his role as 'Match of the Day' host at the end of the season - although the presenter will remain with the BBC until after the 2026 World Cup