Match of the Day will last just 20 minutes and have no commentary on Saturday night as the crisis surrounding the show deepened following Gary Lineker's suspension.
While the schedule remains untouched, with a 1hr 19mins programme still set to take place, the BBC have insisted the show will be shorter than normal. The description on the BBC website currently reads: "Highlights of the latest round of Premier League matches with Manchester City, Tottenham and Liverpool all in action.
"City were bidding to keep their title bid on track when they travelled to Crystal Palace, while Tottenham hosted Nottingham Forest, and Liverpool faced Bournemouth. Plus all the goals from Saturday’s other fixtures."
But with presenters, pundits and commentators all stepping down from featuring on Saturday's programme in solidarity with Lineker, the show is set for a radical change. The BBC does not have the rights to use world feed commentary to replace those who have pulled out from their assignments.
According to The Times, the BBC have insisted a shorter Match of the Day programme will be broadcast, without any commentary over the highlights of the day's games. Without access to the Premier League Productions content, they have no way of replacing the commentators who have stood down.
The Times later reported that the show would last for a fraction over 20 minutes. With all available pundits and likely replacements for Lineker also pulling back, the BBC had already confirmed that Saturday's show would not feature studio presentation or punditry.
“Some of our pundits have said that they don’t wish to appear on the programme while we seek to resolve the situation with Gary. We understand their position and we have decided that the programme will focus on match action without studio presentation or punditry," a statement read.
Football Focus and Final Score were pulled from the schedule after presenters, pundits and reporters all stood down in solidarity with Lineker. That decision forced the BBC into apologising for the disruption.
“The BBC will only be able to bring limited sport programming this weekend and our schedules will be updated to reflect that," a statement read.
“We are sorry for these changes which we recognise will be disappointing for BBC sport fans. We are working hard to resolve the situation and hope to do so soon.”
The 20-minute show will also air without interviews with players or managers after a boycott was threatened. The PFA confirmed on Saturday that players would not be asked to provide interviews with Match of the Day.
“We have been informed that players involved in today’s games will not be asked to participate in interviews with Match of the Day. The PFA have been speaking to members who wanted to take a collective position and to be able to show their support for those who have chosen not to be part of tonight’s programme," a statement read.
"During those conversations we made clear that, as their union, we would support all members who might face consequences for choosing not to complete their broadcast commitments. This is a common sense decision that ensures players won’t now be put in that position."
The Mirror has launched a petition to have Gary Lineker reinstated at the BBC and as the host of Match of the Day. Sign it here.
