Match of the Day is officially a record-breaker
Match of the Day is officially the longest running football television show in history, Guinness World Records has announced.
Gary Lineker, the current presenter, received a certificate on behalf of the BBC in recognition of the record ahead of the culmination of the show’s 50th season this weekend.
Match of the Day, with its theme tune recognised by millions, was first broadcast on Saturday August 22, 1964, and has been running for 50 years and 246 days, as verified on April 25, 2015.
The award recognises Match of the Day and its associated programmes, including live FA Cup, European club and international matches.
Lineker, who has presented the show for 16 years, said: “It’s a great honour for all at Match of the Day to achieve a Guinness World Records title and to be included in the Guinness World Records book.
“We all feel privileged to work on such an iconic show and are delighted that six million people continue to enjoy that 90-minute digest of all the Premier League action each weekend.”
The programme will feature in the 2016 Guinness World Records Book, due out on September 10, 2015.
