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    Gary Lineker tears up as he bids emotional farewell to iconic Match of the Day after controversial BBC axe

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    GARY Lineker teared up as he bid an emotional farewell to the iconic Match of the Day show following the BBC’s controversial decision to axe him.The popular presenter thanked his co-workers and the Match of the Day staff for his 26 years presenting the show.The presenter struggled to fight back the tears in an emotional farewellCredit: BBCCo-hosts and friends Micah Richards and Alan Shearer presented Gary Lineker with a golden boot in a heartfelt farewellCredit: BBCGary Lineker was seen wiping away tears after watching tributes pour inCredit: BBCTributes poured in from former legendary teammates, managers, players, colleagues and family in a heartfelt farewell montage that closed the show.Man City boss, Pep Guardiola, told the presenter: “You won’t believe it but you will be missed! “You have my Barcelona shirt – you can send it to me!”Claudio Ranieri, former Leicester manager, was another to send his praises to the former Foxes player.read more on sportHe said: “Well done for the amazing job you have done.”2016, we will always remember.”His co-hosts Alan Shearer and Micah Richards then presented a tearful Gary Lineker with a golden boot.MOTD legend Alan Hansen also praised the outgoing presenter, saying his “sharp, intelligent” skills on the pitch carried over into the studio.Most read in Football”It was a seamless journey,” he added.During the show, the former England football captain interviewed Liverpool boss Arne Slot, who offered words of praise for the presenter.Gary Lineker apologises for antisemitic post and confirms he’s quitting BBC next week”And thank you for being such a great host of a BBC show I’ve watched many times,” Arne Slot said.The Liverpool manager added: “I’d like to give you a Liverpool shirt instead of the other club you played for!”The emotional Gary Lineker bowed out of MOTD, praising the staff behind the scenes. I’m sorry your team is always last onGary LinekerHe said: “Let me thank for all the people I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the 25 years…”Thank you for all the people on the show you don’t see.. Thank you all.”Rather like my football career, everyone else did the hard work.”He then shared a special message with viewers, thanking them for their support and jokingly added: “I’m sorry your team is always last on!”At the start of Match Of The Day, Gary Lineker opened by saying, “It wasn’t meant to end this way” before referencing the title race being over and Champions League qualification being all there was to focus on.The programme opened with clips of the former footballer in action on the pitch, followed by the words “The end of an Era”.Gary was spotted earlier looking relaxed in a checked shirt and jeans, smiling as he arrived at the studios.The BBC online preview for tonight’s MOTD said: “The best of the action from the final day of the Premier League season presented, for the last time, by Gary Lineker.”However, it came after he recently left colleagues in no doubt about his feelings on BBC director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski.He was seen to snub his boss and made remarks about him, which were described as “blunt”.The 64-year-old was due to cover next year’s FA Cup and World Cup but bowed out early.It follows a controversial row over his use of social media.The BBC have come up with a new format but tried and tested presenters to replace Gary Lineker next season.Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will have big shoes to fill.The Leicester-born star, who moved seamlessly from footballer to one of the most famous presenters at the corporation, was temporarily suspended in March 2023.He was embroiled in an impartiality row over comments he made criticising the then-government’s new asylum policy.I would never consciously repost anything anti-SemiticGary LinekerIn November 2024 he announced he would be stepping down from presenting Match Of The Day at the end of the season, but would still host World Cup and FA Cup coverage.He exited the broadcaster early after apologising for sharing and then deleting a post on his Instagram account from the group Palestine Lobby.It was illustrated with a picture of a rat, which prompted calls for him to be sacked.A statement from Lineker read: “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 anti-Semitic – 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.”After this the BBC said Lineker would leave his presenting role following the conclusion of Match Of The Day for the 2024/25 season.The broadcaster added that he would not present its coverage of the 2026 World Cup or next season’s FA Cup.But the ex-England captain suggested he wants to step away from traditional television when asked in an interview about his post-MOTD schedule.Just days before announcing his exit from the BBC on Monday, Lineker told the Beyond The Title podcast: “Professionally, I’ve got a big podcast company and I think it takes up quite a bit of my time and it will probably take up a bit more now.“It’s really exciting and it’s a lot of fun. We’re doing really well. I don’t think I’ll do much television.‘Really proud’“Hopefully I’ll be in a position where I can just pick and choose things I quite fancy doing. So the podcast world really I think.”Lineker also insisted his broadcasting career has made him prouder than his on-pitch heroics for teams such as Leicester, Everton, Spurs and Barcelona.He added: “I’m actually probably a bit more proud of what I’ve done in broadcasting than possibly football because I always said I was born to be in the box, not on the box.“I had to work really hard at television.“ I had to work hard at football but it came naturally, whereas television didn’t come naturally.“It took a lot of hard work and effort and determination and studying and stuff of other people and how they do it.Read More on The Sun“Eventually I got there. Probably I’m proudest of the fact I made it to the top in broadcasting.”Leicester fan Lineker runs production company Goalhanger Podcasts which is behind hit series The Rest Is Football with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.How Gary Lineker became the BBC’s highest paid starGary Lineker has hosted Match Of The Day for more than 25 years but will leave the role earlier than expected following a row over his use of social media.The Leicester-born star, who moved seamlessly from footballer to one of the most famous and highly-paid presenters at the corporation, began his career at Leicester City, the club he had supported since childhood, in 1978.The 64-year-old striker scored 103 goals for the Foxes in all competitions before signing with Everton for £800,000 in 1985.He scored 40 goals in 57 games for the Toffees in his only season with the Liverpool-based side, before his six goals for England at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico won him the competition’s golden boot award and attracted the attention of Spanish football giants Barcelona.Moving to the Catalan side in 1986, Lineker went on to become the highest scoring British player in La Liga, Spain’s highest football division, under English manager Terry Venables.His record 42 goals was only beaten by Welsh winger Gareth Bale in 2016.Lineker spent three years in Spain before moving to Tottenham Hotspur in July 1989 for £1.1 million.He played a part in England’s run to the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup in Italy, which resulted in a defeat on penalties against West Germany.After the match, Lineker, who captained the Lions from 1990 to 1992, coined the phrase: “Football is a simple game: 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans win.”He won the 1991 FA Cup final with Spurs, beating Nottingham Forest 2-1 despite having a goal controversially disallowed for offside and Forest goalkeeper Mark Crossley saving a penalty.In 1992, Lineker became the first English footballer to play in Japan’s highest division, the J League, when he joined Nagoya Grampus Eight for £2 million.He retired after an injury-hit two-year spell at the club which saw him play just 23 times.Throughout his career Lineker was renowned for never receiving a yellow or red card booking from the referee.Following his retirement, Lineker joined BBC Radio 5 Live as a football pundit before becoming a team captain on the sports game show They Think It’s All Over from 1995 to 2003.In 1997 he took over as host of Grandstand when then-presenter Desmond Lynam was at Aintree for the Grand National which was abandoned due to a bomb alert.He replaced Lynam as presenter of the BBC’s flagship football highlights programme Match Of The Day in 1999, when Lynam defected to rival ITV.Lineker would later become the corporation’s highest-paid presenter, with the BBC’s annual report for 2023/24 showing his salary to be to around £1.35 million a year.He was temporarily suspended from the BBC in March 2023 after an impartiality row over comments he made criticising the then-government’s new asylum policy.In November 2024 he announced he would be stepping down from presenting Match Of The Day at the end of the season, but would still host World Cup and FA Cup coverage.He exited the broadcaster early, however, after apologising for sharing and then deleting a post on his Instagram account from the group Palestine Lobby, illustrated with a picture of a rat, which prompted calls for him to be sacked from the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA).After this the BBC said Lineker would leave his presenting role following the conclusion of Match Of The Day for the 2024/25 season and added that he would not present its coverage of the 2026 World Cup or next season’s FA Cup.Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman will share the presenting role on the football show from the next Premier League season.The former England striker is also the co-founder of Goalhanger Podcasts, makers of the popular The Rest Is History series and its spin-offs about politics, football, entertainment and money.Lineker was seen smiling as he headed into the studios for his final showGary Lineker presenting Match of the Day for the last timeCredit: BBC More

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      Gary Lineker’s brutal snub of BBC boss days before he quit revealed as he leaves channel for good in antisemitism row

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      GARY Lineker ended his Match of the Day career last night — as details emerged of his parting shot at his BBC boss.The former England football captain, 64, began his final show with a quip about his telly departureGary Lineker was emotional as he said goodbye to the MOTD audienceGary Lineker arrives to present his final Match of the DayCredit: MCPIXLineker was seen to snub his boss Alex Kay-Jelski and made remarks about him in earshot of staff, it was claimedCredit: BBCIt came after he recently left colleagues in no doubt about his feelings on BBC director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski.He was seen to snub his boss and made remarks about him which were described as “blunt”.Once cameras began rolling on his final MOTD appearance, Gary used his opening line to aim a cheeky dig at the Beeb.He said: “It wasn’t meant to end this way.”Read More on SportThe legendary striker then continued: “But with the title race over and the relegation places confirmed, the Champions League was all we had left to talk about.”TV frontman Gary then became emotional as he said goodbye to the MOTD audience after a host of former teammates and colleagues paid tribute in a video package.He said: “Let me thank for all the people I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the 25 years…”Thank you for all the people on the show you don’t see.. Thank you all.Most read in Football”Rather like my football career, everyone else did the hard work.”He began his role on the highlights show in 1999 alongside Alan Hansen and Mark Lawrenson and had been due to anchor the BBC’s World Cup coverage next year.But he took the decision to quit the corporation altogether after he was blasted for reposting a video on social media which criticised Zionism with a picture of a rat — used as an insult to Jews by the Nazis.He has repeatedly apologised. Co-stars and close pals Micah Richards and Alan Shearer were also seen arriving at the MediaCity studios in Salford.Insiders said there was no love lost between Gary and his boss Alex, who took over the top job at BBC Sport from Barbara Slater last April.A source said: “By the end of Gary’s tenure at BBC Sport he didn’t have much time for Alex.“When he was working on the FA Cup final, just two days before he quit, Alex came over to where Gary was and he just walked off without a word.Read More on The Sun“He made a couple of remarks about Alex in earshot of people working around them. It’s clear there’s no love lost. “Gary is really well liked and there are plenty of people who joked that they agreed with what he said.”Gary Lineker apologises for antisemitic post and confirms he’s quitting BBC next weekGary tried to hold back tears as he signed off for the last timeCredit: BBCLineker with Alan Hansen and Mark LawrensonCredit: BBCAlan Shearer was snapped as he arrived at the studiosCredit: ZenpixMicah Richards arrives for the showCredit: Zenpix More

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      Reason Gary Lineker does not plan to do much TV after leaving MOTD revealed

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      GARY LINEKER does not plan to do much telly work after leaving the BBC and will instead concentrate on his popular podcasts.After 26 years as Match Of The Day host, he will present his final highlights show tonight covering the last day of the Premier League season.Gary Lineker does not plan to do much telly work after leaving the BBC and will instead concentrate on his popular podcastsCredit: GettyLineker was due to cover next year’s FA Cup and World Cup but bowed out early, sparking a battle for his signature between rival broadcasters.But the ex-England captain suggested he wants to step away from traditional television when asked in an interview about his post-MOTD schedule.Just days before announcing his exit from the BBC on Monday, Lineker told the Beyond The Title podcast: “Professionally, I’ve got a big podcast company and I think it takes up quite a bit of my time and it will probably take up a bit more now.“It’s really exciting and it’s a lot of fun. We’re doing really well. I don’t think I’ll do much television.Read More on Sport‘Really proud’“Hopefully I’ll be in a position where I can just pick and choose things I quite fancy doing. So the podcast world really I think.”Lineker also insisted his broadcasting career has made him prouder than his on-pitch heroics for teams such as Leicester, Everton, Spurs and Barcelona.He added: “I’m actually probably a bit more proud of what I’ve done in broadcasting than possibly football because I always said I was born to be in the box, not on the box.“I had to work really hard at television.Most read in Football“ I had to work hard at football but it came naturally, whereas television didn’t come naturally.“It took a lot of hard work and effort and determination and studying and stuff of other people and how they do it.How Gary Lineker’s BBC exit will spark intense rivalry between new Match of the Day hosts to lead BBC’s World Cup coverage“Eventually I got there. Probably I’m proudest of the fact I made it to the top in broadcasting.”Leicester fan Lineker runs production company Goalhanger Podcasts which is behind hit series The Rest Is Football with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.How Gary Lineker became the BBC’s highest paid starGary Lineker has hosted Match Of The Day for more than 25 years but will leave the role earlier than expected following a row over his use of social media.The Leicester-born star, who moved seamlessly from footballer to one of the most famous and highly-paid presenters at the corporation, began his career at Leicester City, the club he had supported since childhood, in 1978.The 64-year-old striker scored 103 goals for the Foxes in all competitions before signing with Everton for £800,000 in 1985.He scored 40 goals in 57 games for the Toffees in his only season with the Liverpool-based side, before his six goals for England at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico won him the competition’s golden boot award and attracted the attention of Spanish football giants Barcelona.Moving to the Catalan side in 1986, Lineker went on to become the highest scoring British player in La Liga, Spain’s highest football division, under English manager Terry Venables. His record 42 goals was only beaten by Welsh winger Gareth Bale in 2016.Lineker spent three years in Spain before moving to Tottenham Hotspur in July 1989 for £1.1 million.He played a part in England’s run to the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup in Italy, which resulted in a defeat on penalties against West Germany.After the match, Lineker, who captained the Lions from 1990 to 1992, coined the phrase: “Football is a simple game: 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans win.”He won the 1991 FA Cup final with Spurs, beating Nottingham Forest 2-1 despite having a goal controversially disallowed for offside and Forest goalkeeper Mark Crossley saving a penalty.In 1992, Lineker became the first English footballer to play in Japan’s highest division, the J League, when he joined Nagoya Grampus Eight for £2 million.He retired after an injury-hit two-year spell at the club which saw him play just 23 times.Throughout his career Lineker was renowned for never receiving a yellow or red card booking from the referee.Following his retirement, Lineker joined BBC Radio 5 Live as a football pundit before becoming a team captain on the sports game show They Think It’s All Over from 1995 to 2003.In 1997 he took over as host of Grandstand when then-presenter Desmond Lynam was at Aintree for the Grand National which was abandoned due to a bomb alert.He replaced Lynam as presenter of the BBC’s flagship football highlights programme Match Of The Day in 1999, when Lynam defected to rival ITV.Lineker would later become the corporation’s highest-paid presenter, with the BBC’s annual report for 2023/24 showing his salary to be to around £1.35 million a year.He was temporarily suspended from the BBC in March 2023 after an impartiality row over comments he made criticising the then-government’s new asylum policy.In November 2024 he announced he would be stepping down from presenting Match Of The Day at the end of the season, but would still host World Cup and FA Cup coverage.He exited the broadcaster early, however, after apologising for sharing and then deleting a post on his Instagram account from the group Palestine Lobby, illustrated with a picture of a rat, which prompted calls for him to be sacked from the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA).After this the BBC said Lineker would leave his presenting role following the conclusion of Match Of The Day for the 2024/25 season and added that he would not present its coverage of the 2026 World Cup or next season’s FA Cup.Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman will share the presenting role on the football show from the next Premier League season.The former England striker is also the co-founder of Goalhanger Podcasts, makers of the popular The Rest Is History series and its spin-offs about politics, football, entertainment and money. 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      Stoney-faced Gary Lineker breaks cover to walk dog amid BBC exit and cop probe into ‘rat’ online post

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      GARY Lineker takes his dog for a walk — as cops say they are looking into complaints about his online post.And with Lineker, 63, appearing to rule out a return to telly, Filbert had even more reason to be cheery.Gary Lineker was snapped taking his rescue dog Filbert for a walk following his departure from the BBCCredit: Ray CollinsCops say they are looking into complaints about Gary’s recent online postCredit: iNSTAGRAMThe pair stepped out for a stroll near the presenter’s home in south London as he prepared for his last MOTD.The ex-England star, out in South London, is stepping down as Match of the Day host on Sunday after sparking fury by sharing a message criticising Zionism that featured a rat picture.Lineker apologised, but the Met said it is assessing several complaints.In a statement he said: “I care deeply about the game, and about the work I’ve done with the BBC over many years.READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER”As I’ve said, I’d 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.”One woman said she suffered significant distress due to the post.Most read in FootballTim Davie, BBC Director-General, said: “Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made.”Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season.Gary Lineker sensationally quits BBC and will not front its 2026 World Cup coverage after anti-Semitism row”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.”The former England star sparked fury by sharing a message criticising Zionism that featured a rat pictureCredit: Ray CollinsGary and Filbert stepped out for a stroll near the presenter’s home in south London as he prepared for his last MOTDCredit: Ray Collins More

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      How Gary Lineker’s BBC exit will spark intense rivalry between Match of the Day hosts to lead BBC’s World Cup coverage

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      GARY Lineker’s BBC exit is set to spark an intense rivalry between his Match Of The Day successors over who will lead the World Cup coverage.Insiders said that Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates will also be competing to take the main presenting job for next year’s FA Cup Final.Gary Lineker’s BBC exit is set to spark rivalry between his MOTD successors over who will lead the 2026 World Cup coverageCredit: Ray CollinsGary, 64, announced he was leaving the BBC early following an anti-Semitism rowCredit: PAThe bookies currently have Kelly Cates, 49, as the frontrunner with odds of 2/1Credit: Getty – ContributorLineker, 64, yesterday confirmed The Sun’s story about his departure — announcing he was leaving the BBC early following an anti-Semitism row.It scuppered plans for Mark, 51, Gabby, 52, and Kelly, 49, to have supporting roles alongside him at his swansong during next summer’s World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico.A source said: “Now Gary’s gone there has to be a lead anchor for the World Cup coverage. “Mark, Gabby and Kelly can definitely share the duties between them but it will boil down to who gets the big games.READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER“For example, who will be taking the lead role on the final — which will be the game they all want to be the leading voice on.“Mark, Gabby and Kelly are friends but they will be positioning themselves in the coming months because, naturally, it’s a competitive job and who wouldn’t want to be the frontrunner?“It’s become an inside joke that it’ll be like something out of Game of Thrones — with all of them vying to take the lead.”Insiders said the lead presenter for the FA Cup Final coverage next May, a month before the World Cup, is also up for grabs.Most read in FootballThe bookies currently have Kelly as the frontrunner with odds of 2/1, while Mark and Gabby are both at 3/1. The three will share normal MOTD presenting duties next season.Our source added: “Mark, Gabby and Kelly are all excellent broadcasters so it’s not going to be an easy decision to make. Gary Lineker apologises for antisemitic post and confirms he’s quitting BBC next week”They can do the MOTD job-share fine but when it comes to the prestige of holding up the coverage for those major events, it’s inevitable someone’s nose is going to be put out of joint.”Former England striker Lineker is stepping down after Sunday’s MOTD, ending a 26-year career with the BBC.He sparked fury after sharing an online post criticising Zionism, and illustrated with a rat.Gary repeatedly apologised in a video statement yesterday.Mark Chapman, 51, is also in the lead to host BBC’s World Cup coverageCredit: GettyGabby Logan, 52, will also be competing with the other hosts to take the main presenting job for next year’s FA Cup FinalCredit: PAHe said: “I care deeply about the game, and about the work I’ve done with the BBC over many years. “As I’ve said, I’d never consciously repost anything anti-Semitic — 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.”Read More on The SunBBC Director General Tim Davie called him a “defining voice in football coverage”.He added: “Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season.”How Gary Lineker became the BBC’s highest paid starGary Lineker has hosted Match Of The Day for more than 25 years but will leave the role earlier than expected following a row over his use of social media.The Leicester-born star, who moved seamlessly from footballer to one of the most famous and highly-paid presenters at the corporation, began his career at Leicester City, the club he had supported since childhood, in 1978.The 64-year-old striker scored 103 goals for the Foxes in all competitions before signing with Everton for £800,000 in 1985.He scored 40 goals in 57 games for the Toffees in his only season with the Liverpool-based side, before his six goals for England at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico won him the competition’s golden boot award and attracted the attention of Spanish football giants Barcelona.Moving to the Catalan side in 1986, Lineker went on to become the highest scoring British player in La Liga, Spain’s highest football division, under English manager Terry Venables. His record 42 goals was only beaten by Welsh winger Gareth Bale in 2016.Lineker spent three years in Spain before moving to Tottenham Hotspur in July 1989 for £1.1 million.He played a part in England’s run to the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup in Italy, which resulted in a defeat on penalties against West Germany.After the match, Lineker, who captained the Lions from 1990 to 1992, coined the phrase: “Football is a simple game: 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans win.”He won the 1991 FA Cup final with Spurs, beating Nottingham Forest 2-1 despite having a goal controversially disallowed for offside and Forest goalkeeper Mark Crossley saving a penalty.In 1992, Lineker became the first English footballer to play in Japan’s highest division, the J League, when he joined Nagoya Grampus Eight for £2 million.He retired after an injury-hit two-year spell at the club which saw him play just 23 times.Throughout his career Lineker was renowned for never receiving a yellow or red card booking from the referee.Following his retirement, Lineker joined BBC Radio 5 Live as a football pundit before becoming a team captain on the sports game show They Think It’s All Over from 1995 to 2003.In 1997 he took over as host of Grandstand when then-presenter Desmond Lynam was at Aintree for the Grand National which was abandoned due to a bomb alert.He replaced Lynam as presenter of the BBC’s flagship football highlights programme Match Of The Day in 1999, when Lynam defected to rival ITV.Lineker would later become the corporation’s highest-paid presenter, with the BBC’s annual report for 2023/24 showing his salary to be to around £1.35 million a year.He was temporarily suspended from the BBC in March 2023 after an impartiality row over comments he made criticising the then-government’s new asylum policy.In November 2024 he announced he would be stepping down from presenting Match Of The Day at the end of the season, but would still host World Cup and FA Cup coverage.He exited the broadcaster early, however, after apologising for sharing and then deleting a post on his Instagram account from the group Palestine Lobby, illustrated with a picture of a rat, which prompted calls for him to be sacked from the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA).After this the BBC said Lineker would leave his presenting role following the conclusion of Match Of The Day for the 2024/25 season and added that he would not present its coverage of the 2026 World Cup or next season’s FA Cup.Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman will share the presenting role on the football show from the next Premier League season.The former England striker is also the co-founder of Goalhanger Podcasts, makers of the popular The Rest Is History series and its spin-offs about politics, football, entertainment and money. 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      Gary Lineker’s statement in full as he officially quits BBC after anti-Semitism row – and WON’T get pay off

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      GARY Lineker has today officially quit the BBC and will no longer front the 2026 World Cup coverage following an anti-Semitism row.The former Leicester City, Tottenham, Barcelona and England striker, who has hosted Match of the Day for 26 years, has said: “I’m sorry, unreservedly.”Gary Lineker released a video statement on InstagramCredit: InstagramLineker has confirmed he is leaving the BBCCredit: GettyLineker outside his home in London todayCredit: PAHe will present MoTD one last timeCredit: PALineker will make his final appearance on the Beeb’s flagship football show on Sunday to present coverage of the Premier League’s end of season matches.He said in a statement released at midday on Monday: “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 anti-Semitic – 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.”He will reportedly not receive a pay off despite being the broadcaster’s highest paid star, raking in £1.35million a year, according to The Times.The parting of ways also includes the licensing deal for Lineker’s Goalhanger podcast titles, The Rest Is Football and The Rest Is History, which ends this year, it is understood.Lineker agreed to leave the BBC for good after meeting bosses last week – with a source saying he realised his position was untenable.The MOTD host’s early departure comes five days after he apologised for sharing a controversial post which saw him accused of anti-Semitism.Most read in FootballLineker, 64, faced a huge backlash after he re-posted a video which criticised Zionism and included an illustration of a rat.Alongside his statement today, he also released a video on his Instagram page in which he said: “I would like to say once again I am sorry, unreservedly, for the hurt and upset caused. ‘No offence lads’ – Gary Lineker gives no-nonsense Match of the Day verdict in savage goodnight message”It was a genuine mistake and oversight but I should have been more diligent.” Tim Davie, BBC Director-General, said: “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.”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.Lineker’s statement comes after The Sun revealed he was planning to step down following the scandal.It comes after an anti-Semitism row with the post involved now deletedCredit: SplashHe presented coverage of the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Crystal Palace on SaturdayCredit: GettyA young Gary presenting Match of the Day in 1999Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdGary had been due to host the BBC’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup but his final bow will be on Sunday, we exclusively revealed.A source told The Sun previously: “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.”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.”How Gary Lineker became the BBC’s highest paid starGary Lineker has hosted Match Of The Day for more than 25 years but will leave the role earlier than expected following a row over his use of social media.The Leicester-born star, who moved seamlessly from footballer to one of the most famous and highly-paid presenters at the corporation, began his career at Leicester City, the club he had supported since childhood, in 1978.The 64-year-old striker scored 103 goals for the Foxes in all competitions before signing with Everton for £800,000 in 1985.He scored 40 goals in 57 games for the Toffees in his only season with the Liverpool-based side, before his six goals for England at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico won him the competition’s golden boot award and attracted the attention of Spanish football giants Barcelona.Moving to the Catalan side in 1986, Lineker went on to become the highest scoring British player in La Liga, Spain’s highest football division, under English manager Terry Venables. His record 42 goals was only beaten by Welsh winger Gareth Bale in 2016.Lineker spent three years in Spain before moving to Tottenham Hotspur in July 1989 for £1.1 million.He played a part in England’s run to the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup in Italy, which resulted in a defeat on penalties against West Germany.After the match, Lineker, who captained the Lions from 1990 to 1992, coined the phrase: “Football is a simple game: 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans win.”He won the 1991 FA Cup final with Spurs, beating Nottingham Forest 2-1 despite having a goal controversially disallowed for offside and Forest goalkeeper Mark Crossley saving a penalty.In 1992, Lineker became the first English footballer to play in Japan’s highest division, the J League, when he joined Nagoya Grampus Eight for £2 million.He retired after an injury-hit two-year spell at the club which saw him play just 23 times.Throughout his career Lineker was renowned for never receiving a yellow or red card booking from the referee.Following his retirement, Lineker joined BBC Radio 5 Live as a football pundit before becoming a team captain on the sports game show They Think It’s All Over from 1995 to 2003.In 1997 he took over as host of Grandstand when then-presenter Desmond Lynam was at Aintree for the Grand National which was abandoned due to a bomb alert.He replaced Lynam as presenter of the BBC’s flagship football highlights programme Match Of The Day in 1999, when Lynam defected to rival ITV.Lineker would later become the corporation’s highest-paid presenter, with the BBC’s annual report for 2023/24 showing his salary to be to around £1.35 million a year.He was temporarily suspended from the BBC in March 2023 after an impartiality row over comments he made criticising the then-government’s new asylum policy.In November 2024 he announced he would be stepping down from presenting Match Of The Day at the end of the season, but would still host World Cup and FA Cup coverage.He exited the broadcaster early, however, after apologising for sharing and then deleting a post on his Instagram account from the group Palestine Lobby, illustrated with a picture of a rat, which prompted calls for him to be sacked from the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA).After this the BBC said Lineker would leave his presenting role following the conclusion of Match Of The Day for the 2024/25 season and added that he would not present its coverage of the 2026 World Cup or next season’s FA Cup.Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman will share the presenting role on the football show from the next Premier League season.The former England striker is also the co-founder of Goalhanger Podcasts, makers of the popular The Rest Is History series and its spin-offs about politics, football, entertainment and money.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 anti-Semitic. 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.”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.Read More on The SunIn 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.Gary Lineker has presented Match of the Day for a whopping 26 yearsCredit: GettyLineker played for Barcelona in his heydayCredit: Getty More

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

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

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      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

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      Gary Lineker returns to BBC for first time since post likening supporters of Israel to rats as host fronts FA Cup final

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      GARY Lineker has returned to the BBC for the first time since being accused of sharing a “anti-Semitic” post.The outgoing Match of the Day host sparked fury over the Instagram upload, which has since been deleted.Lineker has returned to the BBC for the first time since his postCredit: GettyHe presented coverage of the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Crystal Palace from Wembley todayLineker has “apologised unreservedly” after sharing the pro-Gaza video that likened supporters of Israel to rats.A rat has been used as an anti-Semitic insult referring to language used by Nazi Germany to characterise Jewish people.The rat accompanied footage of a Canadian-Palestinian lawyer attacking the war in Gaza with the caption “Zionism explained in two minutes.”In a statement, Lineker 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.”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.Most read in Football”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.”Gary Lineker gets a grilling over Maradonna’s infamous hand of God goal in hilarious new The Assembly teaserLast November Lineker announced he would be stepping down from presenting Match Of The Day.The former England and Barcelona striker will make his final appearance on the highlights show on May 25.But he will still host World Cup and FA Cup coverage.And Lineker returned to TV screens this afternoon for the first time since the row erupted.He presented coverage of the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Crystal Palace from Wembley.Lineker appeared alongside Wayne Rooney.But a source said: “He is hosting the Cup final this weekend but beyond that we don’t know at this stage.”Staff are annoyed with him after this week — and he is annoyed with himself too.”This comes after the director general of the BBC said people need to follow the broadcaster’s social media rules when asked about the row involving the Lineker post.Tim Davie, after giving a wide-ranging speech, speaking of trust, disinformation and impartiality, was asked if Lineker had broken the BBC’s rules.Speaking at The Lowry arts centre in Salford, Mr Davie said: “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.”Lineker’s agent told the BBC the presenter immediately deleted the post when he learned about the image’s symbolism, which he had previously not appreciated.Meanwhile, earlier this week Lineker fired savage digs at the new BBC boss as the ex-footballer revealed why he left Match of the Day.The TV veteran slammed BBC’s new director of sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, claiming he “has no TV experience” in a brutal interview with The Telegraph.Lineker, 64, warned the BBC not to tamper too much with the iconic show, saying: “He has his reasons, he wants to change Match of the Day a bit.”Ultimately, I don’t think they will, because I don’t see how you move a highlights show away from being about highlights.”Lineker presented Match of the Day for a staggering 26 years.However, the 64-year-old claims that much has changed since the new BBC boss took charge last year.”I think he wants more journalists – he has come from that background,” Gary added.In March 2023 Lineker was temporarily suspended from the BBC after an impartiality row over comments he made criticising the then-government’s new asylum policy.He was also among 500 other high-profile figures who signed an open letter in February urging the BBC, to re-broadcast a documentary, Gaza: How To Survive A War Zone, to BBC iPlayer.But the legendary footballer has vowed to steer clear of entering the world of politics when he does end his punditry career in 2026.He said previously: “I won’t get involved in politics, I never really have.”Apart from the Brexit vote, because I did a lot of research on that and decided, ‘This could be worse than we think’.”I never back a government. I might criticise Sir Keir Starmer on Israel. But nobody knows my politics.”Read More on The SunLineker is the co-founder of Goalhanger Podcasts, makers of the popular The Rest Is History series and its spin-offs about politics, football, entertainment and money.He is being replaced as Match of the Day host by Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman next season. More