Gary Lineker to leave BBC early and not present World Cup after antisemitism controversy

Gary Lineker will leave his role with the BBC after the final Match of the Day of the season and not present World Cup coverage amid antisemitism controversy.

The 64-year-old posted a video on Instagram from the group Palestine Lobby which read: ‘Zionism explained in two minutes’ and featured an illustration of a rat.

Lineker deleted the post and issued an apology, claiming to not realise the image of a rat could be deemed to be antisemitic.

A statement read: ‘On Instagram, I reposted material which I have since learned contained offensive references. I very much regret these references.

‘I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic. It goes against everything I believe in.

‘The post was removed as soon as I became aware of the issue.

‘Whilst I strongly believe in the importance of speaking out on humanitarian issues, including the tragedy unfolding in Gaza, I also know that how we do so matters.

‘I take full responsibility for this mistake. That image does not reflect my views.

‘It was an error on my part for which I apologise unreservedly.’

However, The Sun report that his position with the BBC has not become untenable and he will step down after the final Match of the Day of the Premier League season on Sunday.

Lineker was due to front the BBC’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup in America, Canada and Mexico, but that will no longer be the case.

A source told The Sun: ‘Gary acknowledged his position at the BBC, anchoring the most prestigious ­tournament in world football, was untenable, and he will not be hosting the World Cup.

‘He offered to step down at the end of the season, and did not want the BBC — an organisation he still holds in the highest of esteem — dragged into any further controversy.

‘He remains absolutely devastated by the recent turn of events and is deeply regretful about how his post was interpreted. His last Match of the Day will air on Sunday now and he won’t be back.’

Lineker’s agent said of the antisemitic social media post: ‘Whilst viewing and reposting a video, Gary did not notice a rodent emoticon added by the author of the post.

‘Although if he had, he would not have made any connection. The repost has been removed.’

Lineker’s departure from Match of the Day at the end of the season has long since been confirmed, with Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan announced in January as the new presenters.

Speaking of his decision to step down in December, the former Tottenham, Everton, Barcelona, Leicester and England striker said: ‘I feel this is now the right time.

‘I think [with] the next [highlights] contract, they’re looking to do Match of the Day slightly differently, so I think it makes sense for someone else to take the helm.

‘I always thought my next thing would be the end. I’ve been thinking about it for a long time. I’ve done Match of Day for 25 years.

‘It’s been an absolute joy and a privilege to present such an iconic show for the BBC. But all things have to come to an end.’

Phil Haighمصدر