Gary Lineker confirmed that he will leave the BBC after this Sunday’s match and describe it as a “responsible course of action”.
The former England striker has led the BBC football coverage for more than 25 years and will continue to head for next season’s FA Cup coverage when he will quit his MOTD duties after the weekend and lead the company’s team in the 2026 World Cup football match.
But the controversial centers of political and social perspectives that have been airing on social media in recent years – inconsistent with the BBC’s rules on impartiality – he shared a social media post about Zionism last week in him, including a sample of rats, historically used as an anti-criminal.
I recognize the mistakes and frustrations I’ve caused – lineker
Lineker deleted the post and apologized, but both he and the BBC confirmed that his departure will now be raised.
He said: “Football has always been the core of my life – both on the court and in the studio.
“I care a lot about the game and the work I’ve done with the BBC over the years.
“As I said, I will never consciously re-promote anything anti-Semitic – it goes against everything I stand for.
“But I recognize the mistakes and frustrations I have caused and reiterated my regrets. Taking a step back feels like a responsible course of action.”
Davie praises Lineker for his contribution
BBC Director General Tim Davie added: “Gary admitted his mistakes.
“So we agree that he will step back in a further introduction after this season.
“Gary has been a defined voice in the BBC football report, and it has been more than two decades.
“His passion and knowledge shapes our sports news and has won the respect of sports fans in the UK and beyond.
“We want to thank him for his contribution.”
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