Gary Lineker has delivered a pointed critique of the BBC's director of sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, describing him as having "no TV experience" in a recent interview with Telegraph Sport.
The veteran broadcaster, who is set to leave Match of the Day after 26 years, warned the corporation against making radical changes to the programme following his departure.
Lineker suggested the BBC would be "absolutely mad" to alter the winning formula of the iconic highlights show that has taken "years and years to get the right balance".
The BBC has opted not to replace Lineker with a single presenter, instead appointing a trio of co-hosts to lead the programme.
Gary Lineker took a hit at Alex Kay-Jelski after saying he had 'no TV experience'
PA/Getty
Gabby Logan, Mark Chapman, and Kelly Cates will form the new presenting team in what marks a significant break from tradition.
This changing of the guard comes as Lineker prepares to depart the show at the end of the current season.
The 64-year-old will remain part of the broadcaster's stable, however, fronting their coverage of the 2026 World Cup before retirement.
In his interview, Lineker alluded to a "regime change" at the BBC since Kay-Jelski took the helm last year.
"He has his reasons, he wants to change Match of the Day a bit," Lineker remarked.
The presenter expressed scepticism about potential alterations, adding: "I don't think they will, because I don't see how you move a highlights show away from being about highlights."
Lineker pointedly observed: "I think he wants more journalists - he has come from that background. He has got no television experience."
When queried about whether he would like to see the programme maintain the same easy rapport he has with long-term co-pundits such as Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, Lineker was unequivocal.
"I suspect, for all the thoughts of change, that the show will pretty much stay as it is. That's my gut feeling," he said.
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Gary Lineker is set to leave Match of the Day at the end of the Premier League season
Getty"I think they'd be mad, absolutely mad, to mess around with Match of the Day. It has taken years and years to get the right balance."
He added: "I would be nervous if they fiddled with it too much. It's that old adage, 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it'."
Despite his concerns about potential changes, Lineker has previously expressed support for his three replacements.
"Those three have all got families, and if you're saying someone is going to do it for the next ten or 20 years, then your weekends are gone," Lineker said last month.
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Gary Lineker spent 25 years in his role at Match of the DayReutersHe emphasised the significant personal sacrifice required for the role.
"I take it as a compliment that they've named three, but I suspect it's not due to that," he added.
"I haven't seen them yet to speak to them, but I will do. They'll be fine and they'll do a great job."
