BBC Sport confirm ‘early departure’ for Gary Lineker

The former footballer turned Beeb presenter is to quit the broadcaster entirely following a recent social media controversy…

Gary Lineker will leave his presenting role following the conclusion of Match of the Day for the 2024/25 season. He will not be part of the BBC’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup or next season’s FA Cup coverage as previously planned.

This follows a post he shared that was ‘illustrated with a rat – which has been used to represent Jewish people in antisemitic propaganda, including Nazi Germany’ Sky News report.

Tim Davie, BBC Director-General:

“Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season. Gary has been a defining voice in football coverage for the BBC for over two decades. His passion and knowledge have shaped our sports journalism and earned him the respect of sports fans across the UK and beyond. We want to thank him for the contribution he has made.”

With a revamp planned for Match of the Day, Lineker was always due to depart the football highlights show after this weekend’s forthcoming last edition in the current run, however BBC Sport had, despite several earlier incidents on social media where political views had been posted, been keen to keep him on for other projects including FA Cup coverage in the 2025/26 season and hosting coverage of the 2026 World Cup.

Gary Lineker:

“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 care deeply about the game, and about the work I’ve done with the BBC over many years. As I’ve said, I would never consciously repost anything antisemitic – it goes against everything I stand for. However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action.”

Match of the Day celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2024.