It comes after he declared he would “never knowingly share anything antisemitic” and “apologised unreservedly” for posting a social media message that featured a rat, which Nazi Germany used as propaganda to dehumanise Jews.
Confirming his immediate departure, a BBC spokesperson commented: “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.”
While 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’s last appearance on the BBC will be on May 25, the final day of the season.
Why has Gary Lineker left the BBC?
Lineker is leaving the BBC following recent backlash over his posts on social media.
On Monday of last week the host of Match of the Day used Instagram to promote a pro-Palestinian video that used the rat emoji, an icon used by the Nazis as a slur against Jewish people.
Calls to have Lineker fired from the BBC increased even after he apologised and took down the post.
The Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) stated that the presenter’s “continued association with the BBC was untenable” when he re-shared the post.
The British organisation claimed to have lodged a complaint against Lineker with the BBC and launched a petition that gathered more than 10,000 signatures in favour of his dismissal.
A spokesperson for the CAA said in a statement on Monday: “Gary Lineker’s departure from the BBC was long overdue – this latest incident comes after years of us pointing out his descent.
“He became a symbol of the rot at the heart of our national broadcaster: A man repeatedly allowed to flout the BBC’s own rules on impartiality, abusing his position to promote his increasingly propagandist politics, vilifying those he disagrees with, and even promoting dehumanising and extreme messages.”
In a lengthy Instagram video, Lineker expanded on his BBC statement, reaffirming that he “absolutely” detests anti-Semitism.
“Last week I shared a post here on Instagram that contained an emoji that has awful connotations,” he acknowledged. “Unfortunately I did not see the emoji. If I had, I would never, ever have shared it. The minute I was made aware, I deleted the post and went on to make an apology.
“I would like once again to say I’m sorry unreservedly for the hurt and upset caused. It was a genuine mistake and oversight but I should have been more diligent. I know that.”
In March 2023, the presenter’s remarks questioning the asylum policies of the then Conservative Government led to an impartiality dispute and a temporary suspension from the BBC.
Who will take over his role on Match of the Day?
Lineker’s contract with the BBC will essentially expire after his final appearance; the former England international will then be free to look for opportunities elsewhere.
What’s next for Gary Lineker?
Along with fellow BBC commentators Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, Lineker participates in a podcast called The Rest Is Football.
Despite the fact that all three have worked for the BBC, the podcast is unaffiliated with the broadcaster, therefore, Lineker will continue his work on the show.
In terms of bigger work, Lineker will probably not take up any assignments with the BBC.
Since Sky Sports, TNT Sports, and Amazon all own the rights to Premier League football and have budgets that can cover Lineker’s salary demands, these three companies probably offer the best chances.
Although he could likely earn the highest salary from Sky and Amazon, his services may come in candy for TNT’s coverage of European football.
