Gary Lineker live: ‘Confidence is growing’ that presenter will return to present BBC Match of the Day

Talks between the BBC and Gary Lineker are “moving in the right direction” but not all issues have been “fully resolved” at this stage, BBC News reports.

It comes as the upset has entered day two with the match on day 2 lasting just 14 minutes with no pundits or commentary.

The BBC chairman under pressure to resign in light of the Gary Lineker controversy is a former banker with connections at the heart of the political establishment.

Richard Sharpe was embroiled in a crony row earlier this year over helping former prime minister Boris Johnson secure an £800,000 loan facility.

His old friend Sam Blythe, a Canadian businessman, approached Mr Sharp with an offer to help Johnson as the then prime minister struggled financially in 2020.

The 67-year-old’s ties to the political elite also include time as the boss of a young Rishi Sunak during his career at Goldman Sachs.

The Lord Mayor of London said it was “right and proper” for Gary Lineker to criticize the Government’s plan for small boats.

Sadiq Khan said: “It is right and proper that Gary Lineker should be able to speak freely about his views on government policies, particularly when their policies are unworkable and immoral.”

The BBC has pulled Gary Lineker off air after his tweet about the government’s small boat legislation led to an impartiality row.

Gary Lineker’s dispute with the BBC will be resolved to his satisfaction within the next 24 hours, Sky News reported, citing sources close to the presenter.

An announcement on the matter is likely to be issued this morning, according to the network.

Coverage of the Women’s Super League match between Chelsea and Manchester United was shown without a pre-match presentation yesterday and Radio 5 Live replaced much of its usual live weekend sports coverage with pre-recorded content.

Mr Lineker has not commented publicly on the situation since he was taken off air on Friday, telling reporters he “can’t say anything” when asked about the future of his presenting career when he left his Barnes home .

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak refused to endorse the character or integrity of BBC chairman Richard Sharp.

Asked if he is a man of integrity, Mr Sunak said: “Richard Sharpe was appointed by a government before my time, before I became prime minister.

“This process is being reviewed again by someone who is independently appointed. It is right that the process is running its course. It would not be right to speculate before then.’

Asked if he could support Mr Sharp’s character, he added: “I’ve obviously known him for a long time. But as far as his appointment is concerned, it is right that this was done independently and strictly.”

The pair have known each other since Mr. Sharp was Sunak’s mentor at Goldman Sachs.

Former Tory chancellor George Osborne has backed Gary Lineker in the row over his comments on Rishi Sunak’s new immigration plan, a major blow to the prime minister.

Mr Osborne backed Mr Lineker, criticizing the rhetoric around asylum policy from some in his own party.

“I personally think some of the language used on immigration by some Conservatives – not all – is not acceptable,” he told Channel 4.

The BBC director-general facing calls to resign over the Gary Lineker row is a former Pepsi executive with previous experience dealing with controversies at the company.

Tim Davie has had a tumultuous week after his decision to suspend Lineker over a tweet about the government’s asylum policy caused major disruption in the company’s sports coverage, with several presenters and reporters pulling out in solidarity with the former England star.

Faced with an open revolt in the ranks of the company’s top sporting talent, Mr Davie has already said he wants Lineker “back on air” delivering “world-class sports coverage” alongside the BBC.

The presenter’s words were offensive and wrong, but the company handled them badly, she says The independent.

George Lineker told The Sunday Mirror: “Dad is a good man, a good man and I’m proud of him for keeping his word. That’s why he was pulled from the show – because he wasn’t apologizing. But he will always speak for people who have no voice.

“He is passionate about helping refugee charities – he took in two refugees who he is still in touch with and tries to help.

“It means a lot to him to stand up for people whose only hope is to escape a country with only the clothes on their backs. That’s why he was so steadfast.

“Will he return to Match of the Day? I think so – he likes Match of the Day. But he will never go back on his word.”