GARY LINEKER will step down from hosting Match of the Day at the end of this season, the BBC has announced.

BBC News reports the 63-year-old, who has fronted the flagship football programme for 25 years, was open to staying on at MOTD but was not offered a new deal for the show.

Lineker will, however, remain with the broadcaster after both parties agreed in principle to a contract extension through to the 2026 World Cup.