The BBC's flagship football programme will enter a new chapter this Saturday when Mark Chapman takes the helm for his inaugural Match of the Day broadcast.
The 51-year-old broadcaster steps into the role following Gary Lineker's exit after more than two decades at the programme's forefront.
Chapman forms part of a presenting trio alongside Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan, who will share hosting responsibilities on a rotational basis. Reports indicate the experienced presenter will lead Saturday evening's programme, accompanied by pundits Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer in the studio.
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The transition represents a significant shift for the programme, which saw Lineker conclude his 26-year tenure at the season's end.
Mark Chapman will host the first Match of the Day of the season
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Chapman brings substantial experience to the position, having presented Match of the Day 2 since 2013. The broadcasting veteran joins colleagues Cates, 49, and Logan in what represents a collaborative approach to the programme's future presentation.
The three presenters will alternate hosting responsibilities across the BBC's football coverage, including the broadcaster's new midweek Champions League highlights programme.
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According to reports, Cates is scheduled to front the network's European football coverage next week, presenting highlights from Tottenham's European Super Cup encounter with Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.
While Logan's debut appearance remains unconfirmed, speculation suggests she may take charge of Match of the Day 2 on Sunday evening.
The former England internationals will provide analysis alongside Chapman during Saturday's broadcast, marking the beginning of the new presenting arrangement.
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Gaby Logan's presence on the show is yet to be confirmed
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The BBC's approach involves distributing presenting duties across their football programming, with the trio taking turns to front both Match of the Day and the corporation's Champions League coverage.
The presenting schedule indicates a structured rotation system, with each broadcaster allocated specific fixtures throughout the season.
Chapman's appointment to the opening weekend appears to suggest that he might take a prominent role within the new format.
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The changes follow Lineker's departure in May after he shared an Instagram video containing antisemitic imagery.
The 64-year-old, who had been the BBC's highest-paid employee, issued an unreserved apology for reposting content that included a rat, a historically derogatory term for Jewish people.
Lineker acknowledged his error, stating: "It was a genuine mistake and oversight, but I should have been more diligent."
The former presenter emphasised his lifelong stance against discrimination, adding: "I've stood up for minorities and humanitarian issues and against all forms of racism all of my life, including, of course, antisemitism, which I absolutely abhor."
Gary Lineker was removed after sharing offensive content on his social media
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The incident marked the conclusion of an era that began in 1999, with Lineker becoming synonymous with the programme over nearly three decades.
His departure paved the way for the BBC's restructured approach, introducing multiple presenters to share the workload previously managed by a single anchor.