Cliff Notes – Gary Lineker releases statement as BBC departure confirmed
- Gary Lineker will leave the BBC after this season’s Match Of The Day, confirming he will not present World Cup coverage following controversial social media posts.
- He apologised for sharing a post featuring a rat, which has been associated with antisemitic propaganda, stating it was unintentional and acknowledging the upset caused.
- Lineker has hosted Match Of The Day since 1999 and had been the BBC’s highest-paid on-air talent for seven consecutive years.
‘I recognise the error and upset caused’ – Gary Lineker releases statement as BBC departure confirmed
Gary Lineker has confirmed reports he is leaving the BBC after this season’s Match Of The Day and will no longer present its World Cup coverage.
It comes after he “apologised unreservedly” for sharing a social media post illustrated with a rat – which has been used to represent Jewish people in antisemitic propaganda, including Nazi Germany.
In a statement, 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.”
Lineker, 64, said he deleted the post when he learned about the rat’s symbolism, adding that he would “never knowingly share anything antisemitic”.
His last appearance on the BBC will be on Sunday 25 May, the final day of the season.
In November, the former England star announced he would step down from Match Of The Day this year, but was set to return to front the World Cup in 2026, as well as FA Cup coverage.
The presenter was temporarily suspended from the BBC in March 2023 after an impartiality row over comments he made criticising the then Conservative government’s asylum policy.
Lineker has hosted Match Of The Day since 1999 and has been the BBC’s highest-paid on-air talent for seven consecutive years. He also has a successful podcast production company.