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Gary Lineker, the BBC’s highest-paid presenter, will step down from his role this weekend following backlash over a controversial social media post. The longtime Match of the Day host will present his final show on Sunday, ending his BBC career a year earlier than originally planned.
Lineker’s departure comes after he shared a now-deleted Instagram video from the Palestine Lobby account. The clip included a cartoon rat emoji placed over an explainer about the Israel-Gaza conflict and Zionism. The use of a rat — a symbol long associated with antisemitic imagery — sparked swift criticism, including from within the BBC.
Although Lineker apologized, saying he would never “consciously repost anything antisemitic,” his position at the broadcaster became untenable. BBC Director General Tim Davie commented, “Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season.”
Lineker expressed regret over the post, stating: “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.”
The incident is the latest in a series of social media controversies involving Lineker that have tested the BBC’s impartiality rules. While Lineker has built a respected career in sports broadcasting over more than two decades, his increasing online presence and political commentary have drawn repeated scrutiny.
Previously, it was agreed that Lineker would step away from Match of the Day but continue to present the FA Cup and 2026 FIFA World Cup coverage. That arrangement has now been cancelled. His coverage of the FA Cup final on Saturday is expected to be his final live appearance for the broadcaster.
“Gary has been a defining voice in football coverage for the BBC for over two decades,” said Davie. “His passion and knowledge have shaped our sports journalism and earned him the respect of sports fans across the UK and beyond.”
Despite the exit, Lineker continues to expand his presence beyond the BBC. His podcast company, Goalhanger Podcasts, has grown significantly, producing popular shows like The Rest Is History and The Rest Is Entertainment.
With this departure, the BBC closes a major chapter in its sports coverage history — and in Gary Lineker’s broadcasting legacy.
