Former England football captain Gary Lineker will leave the BBC at the end of the 2024/25 season, the broadcaster confirmed on Monday, following backlash over a social media post that included anti-Semitic imagery.
The BBC announced: “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.”
The decision comes just days after Lineker apologised for sharing and then deleting an Instagram story that included an image of a rat in a post about Zionism. “I take full responsibility for this mistake. That image does not reflect my views,” he said.
In a statement on Monday, Lineker 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 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.”
BBC Director-General Tim Davie stated: “Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season.” He praised Lineker as “a defining voice in football coverage for the BBC for over two decades.”
Lineker, 64, had already planned to step away from Match of the Day after a 26-year run but was still expected to front coverage of the 2026 World Cup and next season’s FA Cup. Instead, Sunday’s Match of the Day will be his final appearance.
Earning £1.35 million ($1.8 million) annually, Lineker was the BBC’s highest-paid presenter. However, his frequent political and social commentary on platforms like X and Instagram has led to controversy, challenging the BBC’s commitment to impartiality.
In March 2023, he was briefly taken off air after comparing British government asylum policy rhetoric to that of Nazi Germany — a move that prompted backlash and support from colleagues, eventually leading to his reinstatement. That episode also led the BBC to conduct an independent review of its social media policies.
