Gary Lineker set to return to BBC imminently as talks continue

The BBC is due to air two FA Cup quarter finals next weekend

After he refused to make an apologetic statement on the show regarding his comments, the BBC made the decision to leave him off the show.

Following the announcement, a slew of Match of the Day pundits and football journalists across the BBC pulled out of their duties on Saturday.

As a result, the broadcaster's flagship football highlights show went ahead with no presenters, pundits or commentary. The show lasted just 20 minutes and didn't even feature the iconic MOTD theme tune, in an embarrassing turn of events for the BBC.

However, according to The Telegraph, Lineker is "poised to return to work for the BBC next week", with a source from the corporation stating that they are "moving quickly" towards a resolution.

There is apparently a "growing confidence" that the 62-year-old will be back for next weekend, when the BBC will show live coverage of two FA Cup quarter-finals: Manchester City vs Burnley and Brighton vs Grimsby Town.

Meanwhile, the Independent reports that talks between the BBC and Lineker are "inching forward."

The publication added that the broadcaster fears it will have to pay out millions to the former England striker if they were to sack him because of ambiguities in his contract.

Senior figures apparently believe they would lose any legal claim brought by the presenter.

Football Focus and Final Score were also taken from air on Saturday as a result of presenters pulling out of their duties in support of Lineker, whilst football coverage on BBC Radio 5 Live was severely disrupted.

The BBC's football coverage continued to be disrupted on Sunday as the fallout from Lineker's suspension continued.

The broadcaster aired the top-of-the-table clash between Chelsea and Manchester United in the Women's Super League with no pundits or presenters, whilst Match of the Day 2 will be given the same treatment as its Saturday equivalent, showing only the goals and highlights from Sunday's games with no presenters or commentary

Related links:

Gary Lineker ‘cried’ after public support from Ian Wright and Alan Shearer, son reveals

Match of the Day viewing figures increase by half a million with no host or pundits

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hits out at BBC over Gary Lineker controversy