Gary Lineker will leave his role at the BBC earlier than expected, following controversy surrounding a social media post he shared that included anti-Semitic imagery. The announcement was made on Monday, just days after the incident drew criticism.
The former England striker, who is the BBC’s highest-paid presenter, had been scheduled to lead coverage of the 2026 World Cup and next season’s FA Cup. However, those plans have been cancelled. Lineker’s final appearance will be this Sunday on Match of the Day, which coincides with the final day of the Premier League season.
“Gary Lineker will leave his presenting role following the conclusion of Match of the Day for the 2024/25 season,” the BBC said in a statement. “He will not be part of the BBC’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup or next season’s FA Cup coverage.”
The controversy began last week when Lineker shared an Instagram story that included an image related to Zionism, which featured a rat(an image widely recognised as having anti-Semitic associations). After facing backlash, he deleted the post and issued a public apology, stating he would “never knowingly share anything anti-Semitic”.
In a further statement issued on Monday, Lineker reiterated his regret.
“I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am,” he said. “Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action.”
Reflecting on his time with the BBC, he added: “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 anti-Semitic – it goes against everything I stand for.”
