The BBC has introduced that Gary Lineker will step down from his presenting function following the ultimate episode of this season’s Match of the Day on Sunday.
The broadcaster has additionally confirmed he won’t entrance it is protection of the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico or subsequent season’s FA Cup protection.
The 64-year-old’s exit comes after he apologised for sharing a social media publish about Zionism that contained a picture of a rat. The rodent has traditionally been used as an antisemitic insult.
Lineker, who’s listed because the BBC’s highest-paid presenter, deleted the publish within the face of heavy criticism, saying that he would by no means knowingly share antisemitic content material.
“Soccer has been on the coronary heart of my life for so long as I can bear in mind — each on the pitch and within the studio,” Lineker stated in a press release on Monday.
“I care deeply concerning the sport, and concerning the work I’ve performed with the BBC over a few years. As I’ve stated, I might by no means consciously repost something antisemitic — it goes towards every little thing I stand for.
“Nevertheless, I recognise the error and upset that I triggered, and reiterate how sorry I’m. Stepping again now feels just like the accountable plan of action.”
It’s not the primary time that the previous England ahead’s exercise on social media has been criticised.
In March 2023, Lineker was suspended from the BBC following feedback he made on social media, criticising the then-government’s immigration coverage.
Lineker known as a authorities asylum coverage “immeasurably merciless,” and stated the language used was “not dissimilar to that utilized by Germany within the ’30s.”
“Gary has acknowledged the error he made. Accordingly, we have now agreed he’ll step again from additional presenting after this season,” BBC director-general Tim Davie stated.
“Gary has been a defining voice in soccer protection for the BBC for over twenty years. His ardour and information have formed our sports activities journalism and earned him the respect of sports activities followers throughout the UK and past. We wish to thank him for the contribution he has made.”
In November 2024, Lineker introduced his upcoming departure from the broadcaster’s flagship soccer programme, however stated he would stay with the BBC to host it is FA Cup and World Cup protection.
Talking to the BBC final month, Lineker stated he felt the broadcaster needed him to depart Match of the Day when he was negotiating a brand new contract.
Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will entrance the present from the beginning of subsequent season.
