Gary Lineker made a lighthearted dig at Micah Richards about the Match of the Day presenter position during a recent episode of The Rest Is Football podcast.
The 64-year-old former England striker, who concluded his 26-year tenure with the BBC this year, was recording with Richards, Alan Shearer and Alex Aljoe whilst discussing the Club World Cup in America.
The jest came as Richards posed numerous questions to Aljoe about her presenting work for Sky Sports, DAZN and Prime Video, prompting Lineker to cheekily remind his colleague that the iconic BBC role had already been filled.
The exchange began when Shearer, entertained by Richards’ questioning, remarked: “You’re full of questions today, Micah. I love it.”
Gary Lineker joked about his BBC sacking on his podcast
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Aljoe then playfully added: “Anything else you want to know Micah?”
Richards’ nervous laughter prompted Lineker to deliver his punchline: “You do know the role of presenter of Match of the Day has already been taken, don’t you Micah?” The comment triggered laughter throughout the studio.
Richards swiftly responded: “I’m not getting involved in this, I don’t want a part of this.”
Lineker, continuing the banter, replied: “Neither have I anymore,” before breaking into laughter alongside Aljoe, who noted: “37, new Micah, new me. Fresh start, so wise,” referencing Richards’ recent birthday.
The BBC has confirmed that Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan will share presenting duties for Match of the Day from the 2025/26 season.
The trio will replace Lineker, who had fronted the programme since 1999 when he succeeded Des Lynam.
The new arrangement marks a significant change for the flagship football programme, with the three experienced broadcasters dividing responsibilities between them.
Gary Lineker’s Match of the Day joke left Micah Richards guffawing
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Chapman currently presents MOTD2, whilst Cates and Logan are established figures in sports broadcasting.
Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Alex Scott, Jason Mohammad, Kelly Somers, John Murray and Steve Crossman will all remain as part of the Match of the Day team.
Chapman spoke about the collaborative nature of the new arrangement, stating: “People might find this hard to believe but there’s absolutely no competition between the three of us.
“We’ll do a mix of everything that works for us all as individuals, and all of us are really keen that it’s fair.”
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Logan shared her enthusiasm about the presenting trio: “It’s really great to share it because we bring different experiences and different interests within the game.
“We bring different ways of broadcasting and that will mean our pundits are kept on their toes and share different kinds of analysis.”
Cates added: “Not only is it a great role just on its own but I’m sharing it with two people I really admire, respect and genuinely like. It’s a great set-up.”