Gary Lineker's BBC exit confirmed after antisemitism row

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Gary Lineker says it has been "a pleasure and a huge privilege" to work for the BBC, ITV News Reporter Chloe Keedy has the latest

The BBC has confirmed Gary Lineker will be leaving the BBC after hosting his final Match of the Day this Sunday.

The former England striker will leave the corporation by mutual agreement, meaning he will also no longer host the BBC's coverage of the 2026 World Cup or next season’s FA Cup coverage.

It comes after the star apologised for sharing a post about the situation in Gaza, which featured a rat, considered an anti-Semitic symbol.

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In a video statement on Instagram, Lineker said: “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.”

Alan Shearer, who worked as a pundit alongside Lineker on Match of the Day, and more recently has co-hosted their podcast The Rest Is Football, commented on the video saying "Thank you for everything."

Lineker also received the support of comedian and TV presenter John Bishop who wrote: "Gary you leave a great legacy as a player, as a presenter and as a man. Good luck with everything else you do next."

Lineker came under criticism after he shared and deleted, a post on his Instagram account from the group, Palestine Lobby, illustrated with a picture of a rat, titled: “Zionism explained in two minutes.”

Previously, Lineker said: “On Instagram I reposted material which I have since learned contained offensive references. I very much regret these references. I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic.“It goes against everything I believe in."He added he apologised reservedly, and took full responsibility for the "mistake".

Gary Lineker stepped down from presenting the show in November 2024. Credit: PA

BBC Director-General, Tim Davie said: “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.”

Lineker revealed in October he would leave Match of the Day at the end of this season, but would still anchor the World Cup 2026.

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Earlier this year, Lineker condemned – along with more than 500 other media figures – the withdrawal of the documentary Gaza: How To Survive A Warzone after it emerged that the child narrator, Abdullah, is the son of Ayman Alyazouri, who has worked as Hamas’s deputy minister of agriculture.

He said the BBC had “capitulated”, adding he does not see Abdullah as an issue, and maintaining that the corporation should not have admitted to “a number of serious failings in their commissioning and editorial processes”.

Lineker has been the BBC’s highest-paid on-air talent for seven consecutive years and was estimated to have earned £1.35 million in the year 2023/24, according to the corporation’s annual report published in July.

The hosting of Match of the Day will shared between the three people for the first time from next season, with Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan sharing the presenting duties between Saturday's flagship show, as well as Match of the Day 2 on Sundays and MOTD: Champions League on Wednesdays.

The parting of Lineker and the BBC will also end their licensing deal for the 'Goalhanger' podcast titles on BBC Sounds, including Lineker's The Rest is Football.

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