Gary Lineker is set to present his final Match of the Day programme this Sunday, bidding adieu to his 26-year stint at the BBC. This turn of events follows a recent social media post on the Gaza crisis that landed him in hot water. The 64-year-old found himself in the midst of controversy when he shared a video critical of Zionism that included an illustration of a rat, sparking accusations of anti-Semitism. Lineker promptly issued a public apology, citing ignorance of the implications behind the post. As a result, the BBC and Lineker mutually agreed on his departure from the network.
The decision to part ways with Lineker was initially planned for the end of the season, with him continuing his role in covering the FA Cup and the 2026 World Cup. However, due to recent events, his exit has been expedited by a year. In a surprising turn of events, Lineker revealed that BBC executives had hinted at his departure even before the controversy erupted, proposing a cooking show as an alternative. Lineker’s reaction to this unexpected suggestion was one of disbelief, exclaiming, “Are you kidding? I thought it was hilarious.” Despite the unforeseen career change proposal, Lineker maintained his professionalism throughout the ordeal, acknowledging the evolving landscape within the BBC.
The departure of Lineker has also prompted a reshuffling in the hosting lineup for the World Cup coverage, with Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan, and Kelly Cates now vying for the lead presenting role. While they were initially slated to support Lineker during the tournament, his early exit has necessitated the selection of a new lead anchor. As an insider revealed, the competition among the presenters will revolve around securing the coveted role of leading the coverage for key matches, such as the final. The shift in leadership within the BBC’s sports division under Alex Kay-Jelski’s direction has also been a point of discussion, with Lineker noting the changes and expressing his views on the new vision for Match of the Day. The future of the network’s flagship football highlights show remains uncertain, as the organization navigates through a period of transition and reevaluation.
