After a second day of schedule disruption, the BBC and Gary Lineker are reportedly “going in the right direction” in their negotiations.
Despite the fact that not all difficulties are “completely handled” at this point, sources say that there is optimism for a quick conclusion.
The Match of the Day host’s ban led to walkouts, which interfered with weekend football coverage.
Tim Davie, the director general, has expressed regret to licence fee payers for the modifications.
The BBC’s football coverage was abandoned by presenters, analysts, and commentators in support of Lineker after he was fired.
TV and radio coverage was hit throughout Sunday, with the stand off between the host and the BBC continuing.
It followed an unprecedented day of turmoil for the BBC’s sports operation on Saturday, with some of the most recognisable faces and voices associated with the broadcaster walking out.
BBC Two’s Sunday afternoon coverage of the Women’s Super League went ahead without studio analysis and had to rely on world feed commentary, while Radio 5 Live was forced to plug gaps in the schedule with pre-recorded programmes for a second straight day.
Match of the Day 2 followed the main programme’s much-reduced format – airing for just 15 minutes – and was without the usual commentators and host Mark Chapman.