Source: REUTERS/Andrew Couldridge
[Saba Sports News] According to British media reports, England football legend Gary Winston Lineker has voluntarily agreed to a salary reduction while negotiating a long-term contract for the BBC’s “Match of the Day” program. The 63-year-old veteran presenter has agreed to continue for an annual salary of £1 million, which is £350,000 less than his current salary. Lineker has hosted the BBC’s football highlights show since 1999 and will meet with executives next month to discuss a contract that could last at least two to three years. Reports indicate that negotiations were temporarily delayed due to the recent Jermaine Jenas scandal. The 41-year-old former Tottenham star was expected to replace Lineker but was fired for sending inappropriate messages to two women on “The One Show.” A source stated: “Lineker is beloved by fans and players alike, and given the uncertainty and scandals within the BBC, viewers are now in urgent need of a steady hand. He greatly admires the BBC and loves his job; he understands what a huge honor it is to host the flagship football program and international matches. He has always believed that the BBC offers great value for money, and he truly puts his money where his mouth is, willing to take a significant pay cut.”