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    Gary Lineker’s replacement for BBC’s World Cup 2026 coverage with three names leading the race

    GARY LINEKER’S departure from the BBC leaves three names leading the race to host the 2026 World Cup coverage. The former England striker is bowing out by mutual agreement after 26 years with his final Match of the Day this Sunday.Gary Lineker is leaving the BBCCredit: GettyIt comes in the wake of an antisemitism row which saw Lineker apologise for sharing a controversial post.Lineker, 64, faced a huge backlash after he reposted a video which criticised Zionism and included an illustration of a rat.He had been due to host the BBC’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup – but now a replacement will need to be found. Here, SunSport look at the most likely candidates primed to fill Lineker’s boots. READ MORE IN football Gabby LoganLogan will be one of three favourites to replace Lineker, alongside Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates who are sharing the roles of new MOTD hosts. Presenter Logan has worked on World Cup and European Championships for the Beeb in the past – alternating with Lineker. Gabby Logan is one of three replacing MOTD host Gary LinekerCredit: AlamyMark ChapmanChapman long anchored MOTD 2 before accepting the gig to share the role as Lineker’s replacement.He has also presented coverage of World Cup and Euros for the BBC previously. Most read in FootballMark Chapman is sharing MOTD duties after Lineker’s exitCredit: GettyKelly CatesCates – daughter to Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish – is due to leave Sky Sports for the BBC when she takes over from Lineker. She has worked on World Cup and Euro competitions before on radio but not yet in a TV role.Kelly Cates will leave Sky Sports for the BBCCredit: GettyAlex ScottFormer Arsenal star Scott has carved out a successful punditry career since retiring from playing in 2017. She has worked on BBC TV before on Football Focus, MOTD and the World Cup – becoming the first female pundit to do so for the Beeb. Alex Scott has carved out a successful punditry career since retiring in 2017Credit: GettyReshmin ChowdhuryChowdhury has had a storied broadcasting career, working for the likes of Real Madrid TV, BT (now TNT) Sport and Eurosport. She has also hosted World Cup coverage for the BBC – working for BeIN Sports in the Middle East in 2022. Reshmin Chowdhury presents for TNT SportsCredit: AlamyManish BhasinBhasin first joined the BBC in 2004 and has worked on several shows including Football Focus, The Football League Show and Late Kick Off.He has also hosted MOTD 2 in the absence of Chapman before and worked on the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Euros.Manish Bhasin has worked at the BBC since 2004Credit: Getty Images – GettyLineker has been the face of BBC football since 1999.And he climbed to ladder to become the Beeb’s highest-paid presenter – despite taking a voluntary pay cut of 23% in 2020 to earn  £1.3million.But Lineker has caused controversy away from the camera for his outspoken political views. In 2023 he was temporarily removed from MOTD after likening the then-Tory government’s asylum policy to rhetoric of Nazi Germany.His co-presenters Alan Shearer and Ian Wright then boycotted the show and it went ahead without post-match analysis.Read More on The SunLineker’s most recent antisemitism row led to the ex-Barcelona star apologising on Instagram. But SunSport understands Lineker agreed to leave the BBC for good after meeting bosses last week — with a source saying he realised his position was untenable.Gary Lineker destroys Wayne Rooney’s managerial career live on BBC leaving pundits speechless More

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    Mikel Arteta will be sacked by Christmas if Arsenal are not in top two, warns former Gunners star

    ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta could be sacked come Christmas next season.That is according to a club legend who insists the Gunners will have to be at least second in the Premier League table before the New Year or may have to find a new manager.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could be sacked come Christmas next seasonArsenal legend Paul Merson insists Arteta will have to be at least in the top two before the New YearThe North Londoners are set to finish as runners-up for the third year in a row and many argue Arteta, 43, is facing a make-or-break campaign next term with the club longing for a title.Arsenal haven’t won the Premiership since 2004 and questions have started to rise regarding the Spanish tactician’s ability to lead them to the top.Especially after some questionable decisions, such as not signing a natural striker – a matter that is expected to be resolved in the summer with the likes of Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko targeted.And Paul Merson is adamant Arteta has only got until Christmas to convince the board he can be the first manager to win a Premier League title in the post-Arsene Wenger era.Read More on ArsenalMerson, 57, insists the Arsenal manager can’t hide behind any excuses as the club is more than capable of attracting top-level players.And four seasons without a title, despite all the quality in the squad, will purely not be good enough.Merson told Sky Sports: “That would be my worry: I think Arteta has got until Christmas. They will have to be in the top two at Christmas to keep on going.”If you get to four [seasons without any major trophies], you can’t [keep going]. Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates”People want to come to Arsenal so it’s not like they’re scratching to get players – and they’ve got the money.”For me, next year he’s got to be in the top two by Christmas or they’ll go for someone else. Mikel Arteta gives passionate speech to fans in Emirates after win over Newcastle“It’s timings. You have timings, you’ve got to make opportunities. “When it’s your time, you’ve got to make it count. Look at Liverpool, they went 30 years without a title and then all of a sudden it comes around – they win trophies.“I just think they have to make it count and I think this is the last year.” More

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    Carlos Baleba has gone from personal tragedy to Premier League star in three years as Brighton ace targets Ballon d’Or

    CARLOS BALEBA isn’t just here to make up the numbers, he’s chasing football’s ultimate individual prize and wants to leave an indelible mark on the game.The 21-year-old Brighton midfielder is full confidence and charm as he reveals his dream of getting to the top of world football from his home in Hove after inviting me over for an interview. Carlos Baleba has wasted little time in settling into the Premier LeagueCredit: RexBaleba is the latest midfielder being linked with a move away from BrightonCredit: INSTAGRAM @carlos_balebaBaleba was born in the same town as Samuel Eto’o in CameroonCredit: AFP Baleba is dreaming of winning the Ballon d’Or, and says praise from Declan Rice and inspiration from Rodri’s success have convinced him it’s possible.He told SunSport in an exclusive interview: “Declan Rice, Matheus Cunha, Joelinton, they’ve all told me I’ve got it in me.“I want to win the Ballon d’Or like Rodri. “I watched him during the Euros and before his injury I played against him and time I got the ball, he was right in front of me.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS “It was my first game against Manchester City, and it was very difficult. “He made it so hard to dribble or pass. That showed his class.“His success has opened the door for midfielders like us to believe we can win the Ballon d’Or someday.”Baleba is already making waves with his performances. The Cameroonian is the only midfielder in Europe’s top five leagues this season to register 30+ tackles, 30+ interceptions, 30+ clearances, 30+ take-ons, and 30+ aerial duels won, a stat line that shows just how complete his game is.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHis stock is rising fast, and he’s already been linked with Liverpool and Manchester City and Manchester United. But for now, Baleba is focused on developing and not paying attention to the rumour mill.Brighton players in tunnel post match after beating Bournemouth 2-1He said: “Yes, I can get to the very top of world football.“But I need to stay focused, stay calm, not rush, and not let what people write get in my head. If I keep working hard, I can be like Luka Modric or Toni Kroos, I just need to stay grounded.”The Brighton star’s journey is nothing short of remarkable so far. Just three years ago, he was still in Cameroon, uncertain about his future. When he finally got his breakthrough move to Lille, tragedy struck, he lost his mother, he says it was sudden and quick. It’s a pain that still drives him.Baleba spent just a season in France before Brighton made their moveCredit: GettyHe revealed: “It was very difficult for me because I didn’t see my mum. I wanted her next to me, but when I signed for Brighton, she wasn’t here.“That’s why the first season was really hard. I thought about her a lot. But I vowed that I would be the best version of myself and go as far as I can in my career.”The Premier League is the dream destination for many young African players, but Baleba warns it’s not for the faint-hearted.“The intensity,  if you don’t run, you cannot play in the Premier League. That’s the truth. You have to be willing to put in the hard work.”What makes Baleba stand out isn’t just his football, it’s his effort to adapt to a new culture and language.His English is still a work in progress, but he’s proud of the steps he’s taking to settle in,  even if the British weather isn’t always his cup of tea.“I love it here, to be honest. My favourite English food is the English breakfast, if I’m allowed to say that!.“But the weather is the only issue, it changes all the time.”Read More on The SunBrighton will be hoping Baleba can continue his meteoric rise, following in the footsteps of midfield stars like Alexis Mac Allister, Yves Bissouma, and Moises Caicedo.All arrived as unknowns but left as stars. The Cameroonian might just be the next one off the Seagulls’ midfield conveyor belt, and if he keeps dreaming big, he could go even further. More

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    Much-loved World Cup goalkeeper, 38, scores penalty to win title in final season after 14 years with European giants

    GALATASARAY goalkeeper Fernando Muslera scored the winner that confirmed the Turkish title for his beloved team on his final season with the club.Muslera, 38, is set to call time on his 14-year spell with Galata in June when his contract runs out.Galatasaray goalkeeper Fernando Muslera scored a penalty against KayserisporMuslera’s goal confirmed Galatasaray’s 25th league titleMuslera scored on his final season with Galatasaray, where he spent 14 yearsAnd the legendary keeper signed off in style as he sealed the Turkish Super Lig giants’ 25th title on Sunday.Galatasaray hosted Kayserispor at the RAMS Park in a game that Okan Buruk’s side had to win to clinch first place.The Turkish giants enjoyed a dream start in the first half with Napoli loanee Victor Osimhen’s opener on 26 minutes and Barıs Alper Yılmaz’s goal just three minutes later.Then the hosts won a penalty in the 89th minute and a decision was made to pay tribute to fan favourite Muslera.Read More on FootballThe ex-Uruguay international stepped up to take the spot-kick with the home fans cheering him on.The ex-Lazio star then barely beat Kayserispor goalkeeper Bilal Bayazıt, who correctly lunged to his bottom left corner but failed to hold on to the ball.That sparked passionate celebrations as even Galatasaray’s subs stormed the pitch to celebrate with the legendary shot-stopper.Buruk’s men are now mathematically champions after leaving Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce eight points behind with two matches to go.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMuslera joined Galatasaray from Lazio in 2011 and went on to amass a total of 550 appearances.The Uruguayan won eight league titles and five Turkish Cups with the Istanbul outfit.The keeper also stood out for his national team during that time as he won the 2011 Copa America and competed in four World Cups.That also wasn’t his first goal for Galatasaray as he also scored another penalty in 2012 against Manisaspor in the final game of his debut season at the club.Muslera’s goal sparked passionate celebrations for Galatasaray More

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    Bruno Fernandes calls for Man Utd flops to step up – in order to stop him winning next year’s Player of the Season award

    BRUNO FERNANDES wants some of his Manchester United teammates to take the limelight off him.The Portuguese skipper, 30, has been the Red Devils’ player of the year by a mile in United’s disappointing Premier League campaign.Bruno Fernandes has begged his United teammates to step up next seasonCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe Portuguese midfielder looks set to bag another Player of the Season awardCredit: GettyFernandes has been a bright spark both domestically and in Europe despite the Red Devils’ horror year. The 30-year-old has 17 goals across all competitions along with 14 assists. And he equalled Cristiano Ronaldo by winning the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award for a fourth time. Ahead of a summer rebuild at Old Trafford, the skipper has urged his teammate to step up in 2024/25.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd Fernandes warned he doesn’t want to be even in the running for next year’s gong. Bruno said: “The players were joking about who is going to win the award for player of the season.”But I said, ‘I hope next year, I’m not even one of the names mentioned’.”If they start scoring goals, running back and tackling, doing assists, they’ll have the attention.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”As soon as I can get the best out of them, my team will be much better.”Fernandes will likely be key if United are to beat Tottenham in Wednesday’s Europa League final.’My goodness, do better’ – Roy Keane lays into Man Utd star after horror show against ChelseaRuben Amorim’s men have been a different beast in European competition. And club legend Roy Keane believes Fernandes could be the X-factor in Bilbao.Keane told Sky Sports: “You still have to fancy United.Man Utd ratings v Chelsea”Someone like Bruno can produce, the history of Manchester United still carries a little bit of weight.”There’s not much between them [in the league] but come the crunch, come the final, United’s history in finals, them winning cups the last few years, you’d like to think they would have a bit more knowledge around the game than Spurs.”That might edge it for them, and I think Bruno can produce that bit of magic.” More

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    Oliver Glasner to stay at Crystal Palace next season but FA Cup winners ‘must develop’ to keep him any longer

    CRYSTAL PALACE chief Steve Parish reckons that boss Oliver Glasner will DEFINITELY stay at the club next season.The Eagles clinched their first major trophy in Saturday’s 1-0 FA Cup win over Manchester City.Crystal Palace are confident of keeping hold of FA Cup winner Oliver GlasnerCredit: GettyBut they face a battle to keep Glasner, who could be a target for Tottenham. The Austrian  has a year on his  deal and talks with the club have been slow.But Parish insisted: “Oliver will be here next year. Everybody knows the length of his contract. Beyond that we’ll have to talk. We want to try and extend his contract.“But it needs to be right for everybody. What happens down the track, summer transfer window, players,  it’s for tomorrow.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“But he’ll be here next year,  then we’ll take it from there.“Of course I want him to stay but things happen in football and clubs evolve and move on.“I’d love him to stay but the club’s got to develop behind him, and the club has to show the ambition. And if that all aligns,  maybe he will.”As for a new long-term deal for Glasner, chairman Parish added: “We’ve been talking about it. For Oliver, it’s not about the things that maybe people think it’s about. Oliver wants to be part of something that’s going in a direction.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSGlasner, 50, is likely to be in demand throughout Europe this summer.He also led Eintracht Frankfurt to the Europa League title in 2022.Crystal Palace stars lift FA Cup trophy as they win first major honour in club’s history with win over Man CityPalace will hold a trophy parade next Monday.The futures of Wembley matchwinner Eberechi Eze and skipper Marc Guehi are also in doubt.But Parish reckons it will be easier to sign players in the summer as the club will be playing in the Europa League next season — their first time in Europe.He said: “When you go for players, it’s ‘Ah, he wants to play in Europe, so he’s going to go wherever’. So of course you’ve got that in your locker.” More

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    Former Championship club win promotion to National League as fans go wild after nightmare decade

    SCUNTHORPE UNITED have been promoted back to the National League after a two-year absence. The Iron saw off Chester in a pulsating National League North playoff at Glanford Park on Sunday. Scunthorpe fans invaded the pitch after beating Chester 2-1 on SundayCredit: XDaniel Whitehall and Connor Woods both found the net as the game ended 1-1 and headed into extra time. Scunthorpe’s Carlton Ubaezuonu proved to be the hero, smashing in the winner in the 105th minute. The goal sparked wild scenes of jubilation amongst a fanbase starved of success over the past decade.The Iron were in the Championship as recently as 2008 but have endured a dramatic slide down the pyramid in recent years. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThey fell out of the EFL in 2022 after financial issues almost saw the club go bust.Scunthorpe continued to slide and dropped to the National League North a season later.Sunday’s promotion is their first since 2014 when they finished second in League Two. Thousands flocked onto the Glanford Park pitch to celebrate, with the game coming a year after heartbreak on penalties against Boston United.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKLocal businesswoman Michelle Harness saved the club in October 2023, with boss Andy Butler paying tribute after the win.Butler, a former Scunthorpe player, told the BBC: “It’s brilliant. I’m excited for Michelle… for everyone who has brought the club back to life. Leeds on track to win TWO trophies in same week ahead of final day of Championship season”For the players, the fans, the town. It was a tough, tough game.”Chester gave everything they had. I said [Ubaezuonu] would score goals – and he’s got the winner.”It was a team effort. We got a lot of players going through the pain barrier. We had to dig deep.”I’m so chuffed for the whole town.” More

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    Gary Lineker QUITS BBC and will not front its 2026 World Cup coverage after explosive anti-Semitism row

    GARY Lineker will today announce he is leaving the BBC and will not front the 2026 World Cup following an antisemitism row.The former Leicester City and England striker is bowing out by mutual agreement after 26 years with his final Match of the Day this Sunday.Gary Lineker will announce he is leaving the BBCCredit: SplashA source said: ‘It is an absolutely heart-breaking end to what has been an extraordinary broadcasting career’Credit: GettyA source told The Sun: “It is a heartbreaking end to an extraordinary broadcasting career.”Gary agreed to leave the BBC for good after meeting bosses last week — with a source saying he realised his position was untenable.The Match of the Day host’s early departure comes five days after he apologised for sharing a controversial post which saw him accused of antisemitism.Ex-England striker Gary, 64, faced a huge backlash after he reposted a video which criticised Zionism and included an illustration of a rat.READ MORE ON GARY LINEKERHe had been due to host the BBC’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup but will instead bow out this Sunday.The source said: “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.”Most read in FootballThe ex-Tottenham, Everton and Leicester City striker steps back after 26 years with the broadcaster, where he was its highest-paid ­presenter on £1.35million a year.His final years as MOTD host have been marred by his outspoken views and fallouts with bosses.He is now likely to focus on his successful Goalhanger Podcasts business.Gary Lineker destroys Wayne Rooney’s managerial career live on BBC leaving pundits speechlessAnd those close to the star said his exit means he will be able to speak more freely.They added: “Gary remains passionate about speaking out over perceived injustices in the world, and will continue to call out things that he believes to be wrong.“He will be able to speak without the shackles of the non-partisan BBC, and has already had a lot of TV offers to mull over.“And, of course, he will be cheering on England like any other fan this summer.”Last Tuesday Gary deleted an Instagram story post from the group Palestine Lobby after he had shared it with his 1.2million followers.The re-post led to widespread calls for the BBC to drop Gary and the charity Campaign Against Antisemitism said it was submitting a complaint to the corporation.HATE ROW APOLOGYIn a statement that day Gary’s agent said: “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.”On Wednesday Gary apologised and said: “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.The presenter will confirm his last Match of The Day will be on SundayCredit: GettyA young Gary presenting Match of the Day in 1999Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd“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.”BBC Director General Tim Davie addressed the backlash the same day, saying: “The BBC’s ­reputation is held by everyone and when someone makes a mistake, it costs us.“And I think we absolutely need people to be the exemplars of BBC values and follow our social media policies, simple as that.”Last October The Sun revealed that Gary would quit Match of the Day at the end of this season — but anchor the BBC’s 2025/26 FA Cup coverage and the World Cup.He previously clashed with bosses for pushing the BBC’s impartiality rules but has staunchly defended using social media to speak out.The BBC’s ­reputation is held by everyone and when someone makes a mistake, it costs us.BBC boss Tim DavieLast month he was asked by the BBC’s Amol Rajan whether it was within his remit to give a view on Middle East politics.Gary said: “I’m sorry. It’s more important than the BBC. What’s going on there (Gaza) is the mass murder of thousands of children — probably something that we should have a little opinion on.”In 2023 he was temporarily removed from MOTD after likening the then-Tory government’s asylum policy to rhetoric of Nazi Germany.His co-presenters Alan Shearer and Ian Wright then boycotted the show and it went ahead without post-match analysis.The former England captain presenting the BBC’s World Cup 2002 coverageCredit: BBCGary said of his colleagues’ support: “I had a tear in my eye. It just moved me, it was beautiful. It’s one thing saying that in a moment, but then actually to carry that through, they didn’t need to do that.”Six months later the BBC published rules for its presenters which said they would be “allowed to express views on issues and policies but stop short of political campaigning”.Gary responded by saying the rules were “all very sensible.”He has previously said he believes the BBC wanted him to leave MOTD when he was negotiating a new contract last year.Gary said then: “I think it was their preference that I didn’t do it for one more year, so they could bring in new people.”Read More on The SunMark Chapman, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan take over next season.Gary’s replacement as World Cup host is expected to be announced shortly.Gary stripped down to his boxers live on air when Leicester won the Premier League in 2016Credit: PA:Press AssociationBBC boss Tim Davie said: ‘I think we absolutely need people to be the exemplars of BBC values and follow our social media policies, simple as that’Credit: GettyFootie fun ‘N’ Foxes’ pantsBy Andy Robinson GARY Lineker’s 26 years at the BBC have seen him become one of our most popular footie presenters.He began as a pundit on Radio 5 Live before replacing Des Lynam on Match of the Day.He kicked off in 1999 saying: “Eh, tell you what. Football’s back. Any good? Have I got the job?”Gary’s most memorable moment came after he vowed to host in “just his undies” if his former side Leicester City won the Premier League.He stayed true to his word after the Foxes’ fairytale triumph in 2015-16 — though he ranked appearing in his boxers his “least favourite” MOTD moment.His favourite was the last day of Leicester’s title season.Gary also presented their FA Cup triumph in 2021, saying: “They are two things I thought I would never witness in my lifetime. They were my special ones.”In 2019 fans were left laughing when he mocked bald pundits Alan Shearer and Danny Murphy’s ­analysis of a “hair-raising” start to the season.Gary, Dion Dublin and Ian Wright also raised a smile by mimicking Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette’s scream picked up by microphones after he was fouled in a match during crowdless Covid.In 2023 Gary struggled to keep a straight face as pranksters played sex sounds from a phone hidden in the BBC studio.He has also presented for Al Jazeera, NBC and BT Sport who may seek his services once again. More