BBC Clears Gary Lineker To Front BT Sport's Champions League Coverage

Gary Lineker has been cleared to front BT Sport’s Champions League coverage after he agreed to a "new non-exclusive contract with the BBC," according to Ben Rumsby of the London TELEGRAPH. The BBC is "poised to announce it has retained the Match of the Day presenter's services beyond next season," four months after securing the rights to Premier League highlights until '19. Lineker's new deal will see him "take a pay cut at the cash-strapped BBC, which will in turn allow him to combine his job there with roles with other networks." One of those is expected to be BT Sport, which is "likely to confirm the former England captain will share presenting responsibilities" with Jake Humphrey -- as well as an "increased role" for Rio Ferdinand following his retirement last week -- when it reveals its Champions League plans (TELEGRAPH, 6/2).