The BBC has announced that Gary Lineker will step down from his presenting role following the final episode of this season’s Match of the Day on Sunday.
The broadcaster has also confirmed he will not front it’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico or next season’s FA Cup coverage.
The 64-year-old’s exit comes after he apologised for sharing a social media post about Zionism that contained an image of a rat.
In March 2023, Lineker was suspended from the BBC following comments he made on social media, criticising the then-government’s immigration policy.
In November 2024, Lineker announced his upcoming departure from the broadcaster’s flagship football programme, but said he would remain with the BBC to host it’s FA Cup and World Cup coverage.
Gary Lineker will leave his position as presenter of Match of the Day after Sunday’s season finale, according to a BBC announcement.
The network has also stated that he will not be the face of its coverage of the FA Cup the following season or the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
After expressing regret for posting a social media post about Zionism that featured a picture of a rat, the 64-year-old retired. Historically, the rodent has been used as a derogatory term against Jews.
In the face of harsh criticism, Lineker—who is reportedly the highest-paid presenter at the BBC—deleted the post and declared that he would never intentionally share antisemitic content.
Lineker said in a statement on Monday that “football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember — both on the pitch and in the studio.”.
“I’ve worked with the BBC for many years, and I have a strong passion for the game. I have stated that I would never intentionally repost anything that is antisemitic because it contradicts my values.
Nevertheless, I acknowledge my mistake and the distress I caused, and I sincerely apologize once more. It seems more responsible to take a step back now. “.”.
The former England forward’s social media activity has previously drawn criticism.
Lineker’s social media remarks criticizing the immigration policy of the then-government led to his suspension from the BBC in March 2023.
Lineker described the language used in a government asylum policy as “immeasurably cruel,” comparing it to German language from the 1930s. “.”.
Gary has made amends for his error. After this season, we have decided that he will no longer present,” BBC director-general Tim Davie stated.
“For more than twenty years, Gary has been a defining voice in BBC football coverage. Sports fans in the UK and beyond respect him because of his enthusiasm and expertise, which have influenced our sports journalism. For his contribution, we would like to thank him. “.”.
Lineker said he would stay with the BBC to host its FA Cup and World Cup coverage, but he would be leaving the broadcaster’s premier football program in November 2024.
During the process of negotiating a new contract, Lineker told the BBC last month that he felt the network wanted him to quit Match of the Day.
Beginning with the upcoming season, Gabby Logan, Mark Chapman, and Kelly Cates will be the show’s main stars.
