RIVAL broadcasters could attempt to pinch the Premier League rights from the BBC and force Match of the Day off air, according to reports.
The BBC pay £211million to show the highlights programme.
And after controversy regarding host Gary Lineker's impartiality on social media, which led to him being suspended and then reinstated, other channels are aware they could swoop in to buy the much-loved show.
Prem chief Richard Masters recently confirmed that the bidding for its TV rights to homeland broadcasters would begin this year.
There has been no battle for rights for three years as all companies agreed to continue their packages during the pandemic.
The Telegraph report that the competition this time will be "fiercer than it has been for years".
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They report Prem sources as saying the Lineker fall-out will have no bearing on future deals.
ITV have not shown viewers Premier League football since 2004 when an ill-fated show was axed, leaving the BBC as the only terrestrial channel to have it.
No decision on whether to bid for MOTD has been made by ITV bosses.
Reports suggest that they are looking to expand their streaming service ITVX and the football programme could assist with them doing so.
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Channel 4 also want to expand their sports coverage after recently acquiring England matches in the Nations League and they could enter the race.
Rumours that Lineker could quit the BBC over the impartiality row have relaxed, yet his deal does expire in 2025 and if they were to lose rights his future could again be in doubt.
Additionally, the Premier League have ruled out scrapping the 3pm blackout, where matches kicking-off at that time are not televised.
This could open another opportunity for broadcasters of the EFL and European football.
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