Match of the Day's nightmare scenario - Alan Shearer decision and ideal presenter rejection

Match of the Day, an emblem of British sports television, could be in for some unexpected changes following the departure of presenter Gary Lineker. The BBC confirmed last week that the former Tottenham forward would be stepping down from his role as host of the flagship football programme.

Regularly joined by analysts such as Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, the show is not only viewed by millions of fans per episode but also by Premier League footballers. With Lineker set to leave next year, the question isn't just about his replacement, but also who might follow him out the door.

As the future of the show lies in the hands of the BBC, it could potentially become a nightmare scenario for the broadcasting giant. Bearing this in mind, let's examine some of the potential horror situations the BBC could face.

The departure of Alan Shearer would be a significant blow. Breaking the bond between Shearer and Lineker will be no easy task.

The pair have endured years of each other's terrible dad-jokes on screen, their ease with each other a testament to their long-standing friendship.

It's been nearly a decade since the Beeb dismissed Jeremy Clarkson from Top Gear. His co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May departed with him.

After years of rotating presenters, Top Gear won't return 'for the foreseeable future. ' This is precisely the situation the BBC will want to avoid repeating with MOTD.

The time when Lineker was temporarily suspended due to his social media comments about the then UK government, Shearer and ex-Arsenal striker Ian Wright stood by the 63 year old, refusing to participate. This led to an unusual 20-minute episode of MOTD.

If Shearer does depart, the broadcasting giants will need to find replacements swiftly.