BBC Match of the Day could be taken off air as rivals eye £211m Premier League package

RIVAL broadcasters could attempt to pinch Match of the Day rights from the BBC and take it off air, according to reports.

The BBC pay £211million to the Premier League for rights to show the highlights programme.

GettyThe BBC risk losing the rights to show MOTD[/caption]

And after controversy regarding host Gary Lineker’s impartiality on social media, which led to him being suspended and then reinstated, other channels are aware they could swoop in to buy the much-loved show.

Prem chief Richard Masters recently confirmed that the bidding for it’s TV rights to homeland broadcasters would begin this year.

There has been no battle for rights for three years as all companies agreed to continue their packages during the pandemic.

The Telegraph report that the competition this time will be “fiercer than it has been for years”.

They also claim that despite the Lineker situation, it will have no impact on future deals.

ITV have not shown viewers Premier League football since 2004 when an ill-fated show was axed, leaving the BBC as the only terrestrial channel to have it.

No decision on whether to bid for MOTD has been made by ITV bosses.

Channel 4 are also looking to expand their sports coverage after recently acquiring England matches in the Nations League and they could enter the race.

Rumours that Lineker could quit the BBC over the impartiality row have relaxed, yet his deal does expire and if they were to lose rights his future could again be in doubt.

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