Gary Lineker joke circulating between BBC staff as power struggle set to break out

A power struggle is reportedly set to take place at the as the three new hosts battle for the remainder of duties. Lineker's , cutting his ties short despite his final MOTD show taking place on Sunday.

Though Lineker was leaving MOTD at the end of the season, he was due to front the Beeb's coverage of the beyond that date in addition to hosting the . Those positions are seemingly up for grabs between , and Kelly Cates.

claim that the trio, who are filling Lineker's boots at MOTD on a rotating basis, will also vie for his role leading FA Cup and World Cup coverage.

Chapman, Cates and Logan were set to have supporting roles for next summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, but now have the chance to be the leading anchor across all coverage.

One source claimed that an inside joke between staff members is how "it'll be like something out of Game of Thrones - with all of them vying to take the lead."

The three broadcasters are all thought to be close friends and there is no animosity between them regarding the new position they find themselves in, but will enjoy some healthy competition to lead major events on the Beeb.

Lineker is stepping down after a 26-year association with the BBC, having faced immense backlash for a social media re-post criticising Israel, which featured a cartoon image of a rat.

He deleted the action once he was made aware that Nazi Germany historically used rat imagery to depict Jewish people and has repeatedly apologised.

"I care deeply about the game, and about the work I've done with the BBC over many years," Lineker said in a statement. "As I've said, I'd never consciously repost anything anti-Semitic - it goes against everything I stand for.

"However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action."

The 64-year-old is leaving without a payoff from the BBC and will host his final broadcast on Sunday, following the last set of games from the 2024/25 season.

He will sign off for the final time and hand over the MOTD reigns to Chapman, Logan and Cates, with an added incentive to start next season's coverage with a bang, in the knowledge that they could be given further responsibility if they perform well.