Gary Lineker signs new BBC contract with 23 per cent pay cut

Gary Lineker has agreed to take a 23 per cent pay cut as part of a new five-year contract to host Match of the Day , which is also said to include an agreement to tweet with more caution on political topics.

The BBC’s new director general, Tim Davie, announced the deal on Tuesday, while reiterating that employees will face stricter restrictions regarding their use of social media.

“Gary knows that he has responsibilities to the BBC in terms of his use of social media,” Davie said.

The pay cut will align Lineker’s income with Radio 2 breakfast show host Zoe Ball, who received £1.36m last year according to the BBC’s annual report, which states the salaries of all staff members earning above £150,000.

"I love working with the BBC, and am very proud to continue to be a part of their outstanding football team," said Lineker.

"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."

Philip Bernie, BBC head of TV Sport, added: "Gary is the outstanding football presenter of his time. The BBC is extremely pleased to have him leading our coverage so exceptionally for another five years."

Lineker, who made 80 appearances for England, first presented Match of the Day in 1999, having initially appeared on the programme as a pundit.