The Match of the Day presenter has agreed to tweet more carefully
Gary Lineker has signed a new, five-year contract with the BBC. As part of his new deal, the Match of the Day presenter will take a 23 per cent pay cut and has agreed to be more careful on Twitter, where his support and criticism for various political causes has seen him become a divisive figure.
Tim Davie, the new BBC director general, announced the deal at the launch of the corporation’s annual report, emphasising that all BBC staff would be bound by strict new social media guidelines within weeks.
Lineker said: “I love working with the BBC, and am very proud to continue to be a part of their outstanding football team.
“I’m looking forward to the next five years – with a European Championship and World Cup on the horizon, it’s exciting times for me and the team.”
On a serious note: absolutely delighted to continue working with the brilliant people at @BBCSport for another 5 years.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) September 15, 2020
BBC Head of TV Sport Philip Bernie added: “Gary is the outstanding football presenter of his time. The BBC is extremely pleased to have him leading our coverage so exceptionally for another five years.”
Last year, Lineker took home £1.75 million, more than any other BBC employee. His new salary will see him earn the same £1.36 million salary as Radio 2 host Zoe Ball.
On top of Lineker’s pay cut, the BBC’s report has revealed significant pay increases for many high profile women in the corporation.
