Gary Lineker is set to leave the BBC this week following a controversy over sharing online material with antisemitic connotations. The veteran presenter, who has been the face of Match of the Day for 26 years, is expected to host his final programme this Sunday. In addition, he will not be involved in the BBC’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup or next season’s FA Cup after a mutual agreement to part ways with the broadcaster.
The incident arose when Lineker reposted a pro-Palestine video on social media that criticised Zionism and included an image of a rat, a symbol historically used as an antisemitic trope dating back to Nazi Germany, where Jews were dehumanised as vermin. Upon realising the implications of the imagery, Lineker issued a public apology, stating that he had never knowingly shared anything antisemitic and removed the post as soon as he became aware of its problematic nature.
The BBC’s director general emphasized the importance of maintaining the broadcaster’s reputation, especially in the context of social media conduct. He highlighted that individuals associated with the BBC must embody its values and adhere strictly to its social media policy, noting that mistakes made by high-profile figures can have damaging consequences for the organisation as a whole.
Public reaction was swift and intense. A petition calling for Lineker’s immediate removal from his presenting duties gathered more than 10,000 signatures, backed by the Campaign Against Antisemitism. This pressure compounded the already delicate situation surrounding Lineker’s future at the BBC.
Although Lineker had been due to step down from Match of the Day at the end of the current season, he was still expected to be the lead presenter for the BBC’s FA Cup coverage in 2025-26 and the upcoming World Cup in 2026. However, the fallout from the recent controversy has led to a reconsideration of those plans. Instead, the presenting role for Match of the Day in the next Premier League season will be shared between Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates, and Mark Chapman.
Insiders have revealed that Lineker himself acknowledged the untenability of continuing in his high-profile role amidst the controversy. Recognising the potential harm to the BBC’s reputation, he reportedly chose to step down voluntarily at the end of the season. Despite his departure, he expressed deep regret over how the post was interpreted and maintained respect for the BBC as an institution.
This episode is not the first time Lineker’s relationship with the BBC has been strained over his public comments. In March 2023, he faced a temporary suspension after publicly criticising the Conservative government’s asylum policy, a move that sparked debate about impartiality and free speech for public figures on social media. Earlier this year, he was also among a group of prominent cultural figures urging the BBC to rebroadcast a documentary about Gaza, which the corporation had removed after controversy surrounding the background of its young narrator, linked to Hamas governance.
Lineker’s departure marks the end of an era for the BBC’s flagship football programme. He has been a significant figure in British football broadcasting, transitioning from a celebrated player to a beloved presenter over more than two decades. His exit under such circumstances highlights the increasingly complex intersection of social media, public discourse, and institutional values in contemporary broadcasting.
The BBC now faces the task of moving forward with a new team of presenters who will share the responsibility of hosting Match of the Day. The shift also reflects broader challenges faced by media organisations in balancing high-profile talent, editorial standards, and audience expectations amid an increasingly scrutinized digital landscape.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the absence of one of football’s most recognisable voices will be felt by many fans. Whether the BBC can maintain the same level of engagement and credibility without Lineker remains to be seen, but this chapter certainly marks a significant turning point in British sports media.
