Gary Lineker has announced that he will exit the BBC at the end of the 2024-25 season, due to an antisemitism row.
Lineker had previously announced that he would step down as Match of the Day host at the end of this season on Sunday 25 May, but was set to stay on as host of BBC’s FA Cup coverage next season and for 2026 FIFA World Cup next summer on an one-year contract.
The 64-year-old however found himself unintentionally caught up in an antisemitism scandal after he shared a social media post on Instagram about Zionism, which contained an illustration of a rat historically considered an antisemitic insult.
Lineker however took swift action to delete the post upon discovery of the rat’s historical meaning, which nevertheless left BBC bosses dissatisfied amidst his rapidly sensible response to the issue when informed and both he and the cooperation have decided to part ways once the current season has concluded.
Lineker issued a statement explaining that he didn’t intend to cause offence and felt that standing down earlier than planned will allow both him and BBC to move on.
“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.”
BBC Director-General, Tim Davie added: “Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season.
“Gary has been a defining voice in football coverage for the BBC for over two decades. His passion and knowledge have shaped our sports journalism and earned him the respect of sports fans across the UK and beyond. We want to thank him for the contribution he has made.”
BBC in January unveiled Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan as Lineker’s replacement for Match of the Day on a rotary basis, with the trio now tipped to also share FA Cup duties although Chapman and Logan already present selected games in the competition.
Full details on BBC’s World Cup coverage will be announced in May 2026 with Chapman and Logan set to continue in their presenter roles as was the case in 2022, whilst Cates is expected to transition from radio to TV coverage for the World Cup.
There is however a possibility that the BBC could keep Cates as the lead presenter of their Radio Five Live coverage for the World Cup, and opt to utilise another third TV presenter which would put Jason Mohammad, Alex Scott or Kelly Somers as frontrunners to fill Lineker’s slot in the TV coverage team.
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