Gary Lineker went public with Match of the Day viewing figures before TV snub

07 November 2023 , 11:55

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Gary Lineker went public with Match of the Day viewing figures before TV snub

Gary Lineker publicly lauded the "amazing" viewing figures for Match of the Day this season before it was confirmed the famous highlights programme was here to stay for another six years at least.

The show continues to stand the test of time despite having to battle against the viewing tide this past decade, with an undeniable shift towards live streams and on-line highlights. And this week it emerged the BBC are set to broadcast the famous show through to 2029 after the station’s commercial rivals declined to bid for the fresh set of Premier League rights.

But prior to that, Lineker had already fired a shot on social media. The former striker has hosted the BBC's flagship show since 1999, taking over from ex-presenter Des Lynam.

Last week on social media, he posted: "We’ve had some amazing viewing figures for @BBCMOTD this season…averaging 4m per show across TV and iPlayer…thanks so much for watching."

Lineker's rapport with the likes of Ian Wright and Alan Shearer on a Saturday night has become a popular concept among football fans. But Match of the Day as we know it appeared under threat when the Premier League began the process to tender the next set of rights, spread across four years, with the BBC's current contract set to expire in 2025.

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However, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5 all reportedly decided against submitting a bid. Both ITV and Channel 4 both currently share the live broadcast of England international matches, while major Championships international are split between BBC and ITV.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Do you still watch Match of the Day? Comment below.

The first football-related edition of Match of the Day was screened in August 1964, with only 20,000 viewers tuning in for highlights of Liverpool v Arsenal at Anfield. Only between 2001 and 2004 did the BBC lose their hold on top-flight highlights, with ITV buying the rights and calling the programme 'The Premiership'.

Fraser Watson