BBC's Gary Lineker takes pay cut as he signs new five-year contract
Gary Lineker has inked a new deal with the BBC, but he'll be facing a pay cut as his work relationship with the broadcaster continues.
The former England captain has extended his contract with the corporation for five years, as he gears up to host more seasons of Match of the Day, which he joined way back in 1999, as well as participating in the BBC's coverage of the FA Cup, the Sports Personality of the Year awards in December and several other football-related events.
Related: Gary Lineker and Paddy McGuinness suffer technical difficulties in Sport Relief "mess-up"
However, the 59-year-old's latest agreement comes with a 23% wage reduction – which puts him in line with Radio 2 DJ Zoe Ball, who reportedly received £1.36 million last year – and according to The Independent, it's been stipulated that he tweet more cautiously about political topics going forward.
"Gary knows that he has responsibilities to the BBC in terms of his use of social media," the BBC's new director general Tim Davie told the publication.
"I love working with the BBC, and am very proud to continue to be a part of their outstanding football team," Lineker said in a prepared statement.
Related: Piers Morgan picked a fight with Gary Lineker over BBC's Leader's Forum
"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."
"Gary is the outstanding football presenter of his time," Philip Bernie, BBC Head of TV Sport, added. "The BBC is extremely pleased to have him leading our coverage so exceptionally, for another five years."
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