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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

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      Fury as Gary Lineker shares pro-Gaza video likening supporters of Israel to RATS with BBC urged to sack him

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      THE BBC is facing calls to sack Gary Lineker after the presenter shared a pro-Gaza video that likened supporters of Israel to rats. The outgoing match of the day host sparked fury after featuring on his Instagram a vermin emoji that has been used for decades, including by the Nazis, as antisemitic slur. Gary Lineker sparked fury after sharing a vermin emoji on Instagram – a symbol long used as an antisemitic slur, including by the NazisCredit: GettyThe BBC’s Director General Tim Davie is facing calls to sack LinekerCredit: GettyThe rat accompanied footage of a Canadian-Palestinian lawyer attacking the war in Gaza. Responding to the post, former Labour MP Lord Austin said: “For too long Gary Lineker has been flagrantly abusing his position as the best-paid presenter at the BBC to promote his deeply biased views. “Now he has gone too far, sharing material that whether he knows it or not is redolent of the vilest anti-Jewish racism. “He cannot be allowed to stay in position, let alone be the face of World Cup coverage. READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER“The BBC must act now.” Danny Cohen, former director of BBC Television, said: “Gary Lineker appears to have shared content about the Jewish State which echoes 1930s Nazi propaganda. “This is utterly grim. The BBC’s Director General Tim Davie has a simple question to answer: does he tolerate the BBC’s flagship presenters sharing content that has historically been used as an antisemitic slur?” The controversial post comes weeks after the Match of the Day presenter told the Beeb presenter Amol Rajan that he has a right to express his opinion on topics including Gaza. He said: “I know where I stand on this. Most read in Football“I’m sorry. It’s more important than the BBC. “What’s going on there is the mass murder of thousands of children is probably something that we should have a little opinion on.” ‘That doesn’t happen’ – Gary Lineker broke down in tears over Ian Wright’s public show of support over MOTD axing More

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      FA Cup final gets never-before-seen kick-off time after BBC and ITV clash over scheduling

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      THE FA CUP final has been given a brand new kick-off time just two weeks before the showpiece match at Wembley Stadium.Manchester City and Crystal Palace’s season-concluding clash will start at a later time of 4:30pm BST on Saturday May 17.The FA Cup kick-off time has finally been shared with fansCredit: ReutersThe new time was agreed following collaboration with the two clubs, broadcasters, local authorities, police and the Safety Advisory Group.The FA Cup final has traditionally kicked off at 3pm – a time preferred by police.FA insiders confirmed that discussions over the kick-off time were delayed, with broadcasters BBC and ITV at odds.The Beeb wanted the game to start in the traditional 3pm slot – ensuring that even if the match were to go to extra-time or penalties there would be no overlap issues with the Eurovision Song Contest broadcast due to start at 8pm.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMore than 7.5million people in the UK watched Eurovision on the BBC last year, with the corporation desperate to not see the final clash with the competition.ITV were understood to be pushing for a 5.30pm kick-off to maximum viewer numbers and advertising demand.The 2022 final between Chelsea and Liverpool was forced to start at 4:45pm because of a scheduling clash with Eurovision that night too.In each of the Chelsea’s previous trips to Wembley in 2021 and 2020 for the FA Cup final kick-off has been at 5:15pm and 5:30pmMost read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCity booked their place in the final for the third straight year with a 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest last Sunday,Goals from Rico Lewis and Josko Gvardiol gave Pep Guardiola the chance to end a disappointing season with another trophy.Diehard Crystal Palace fan with arm in sling goes viral after using his HEAD to clap FA Cup heroes at WembleyMeanwhile, Crystal Palace are chasing their first ever FA Cup gong after thrashing Aston Villa in the semi-final on Saturday.A wonder striker from Eberechi Eze and a double from Ismaila Sarr secured Palace’s third ever final in the competition.The 2024-25 FA Cup final will be broadcast live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer as well as ITV1 and ITVX.No Premier League matches have been scheduled for the final.There were rows and rows of empty seats for the FA Cup semi-finalsAnd City will be hoping that their fans actually turn up this time, after 5,000 fans snubbed the journey against Forest.Fans of both clubs are already raging over an increase in ticket prices – a first in six years – with fees ranging from £175 for a category 1 ticket to £50 for category 4.That’s a rise of £30 for category 1 tickets compared to the 2024 final.Read More on The SunA spokesperson said: “The FA Cup is our biggest revenue producer, and it allows us to invest more funding into every level of English football.“We will be freezing the prices of almost all tickets to the Emirates FA Cup Final for the next three years.” More

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      BBC at odds with ITV over FA Cup Final kick-off time with talks ongoing just TWO WEEKS before showpiece occasion

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      MANCHESTER CITY fans have slammed Wembley chiefs for keeping them in the FA Cup Final dark.With only 16 days before City run out against Crystal Palace for English football’s showpiece occasion, there has still been no confirmation of the kick-off time.Crystal Palace chief Oliver Glasner will lock horns with Man City counterpart Pep Guardiola in the FA Cup final on May 17Credit: AlamyThe two broadcasters have differing views on kick-off timeLast night the FA took all information about the game off its official website, with the page designation for Final details reading: “No Fixtures available, please check later.”FA insiders confirmed that discussions over the kick-off time were still ongoing, with broadcasters BBC and ITV at odds.The Beeb want the game to start in the traditional 3pm slot – ensuring that even if the match were to go to extra-time or penalties there will be no overlap issues with the Eurovision Song Contest broadcast due to start at 8pm.ITV are understood to be pushing for a 5.30pm kick-off to maximum viewer numbers and advertising demand.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMeanwhile, the FA has to square all decisions off with Police, local council safety chiefs and the transport authorities.Even so, there is a recognition that the lack of certainty is not the best look.And the lack of confirmation brought an angry response from City supporters, already fuming at ticket prices of up to £285.City sold 5,000 short of their allocation for the semi-final win over Nottingham Forest.Most read in FA CupBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBoss Pep Guardiola noted the amount his side’s supporters have had to fork out for Wembley trips over recent season.City YouTube channel presenter Steven McInerney, pointing to all Final category tickets having gone up by between £5 and £35, said on X: “The prices compared to last year are taking the p***.“It’s in two weeks, people have to organise travel and the kick off time hasn’t even been announced yet.“Shambles of an institution. Fans slapped in the face constantly.” More

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      Gary Lineker explains why BBC need THREE presenters to replace him on MOTD and gives verdict on trio

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      GARY LINEKER suggested he is being replaced by THREE presenters on Match of the Day because it is such a “massive commitment”.Lineker, 64, will step down as host of MOTD after 26 years in May and will leave the Beeb altogether in 2026 after next season’s FA Cup and World Cup.Lineker will be replaced by three presenters on Match of the DayCredit: BBCMOTD2 host Mark Chapman is among the replacementsCredit: PALogan will be a regular on Saturday nights from now onCredit: PASky favourite Cates is making the switchCredit: PAThe legendary presenter will be replaced by a three-person presenting team consisting of Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan, who will rotate from next term.The England great joked that he thinks it’s a compliment that so many people are needed to succeed him, but he admits this decision has nothing to do with his legacy.Instead, the Leicester icon believes this comes down to family reasons as the job would demand they all sacrifice a number of weekends that they could spend with their loved ones over the next few years.The former Everton, Tottenham and Barcelona hitman himself recently stated that he never really had Saturdays and Sundays off throughout his adult life.Read More on FootballSo the TV star claims that having all three available on a rotation basis would allow them to continue enjoying quality time with their families.And he is very much looking forward to watching the new team of “top presenters” doing a “great job”.Lineker told FourFourTwo: “That’s probably down to the fact it’s a massive commitment.“Those three have all got families, and if you’re saying someone is going to do it for the next 10 or 20 years, then your weekends are gone.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“That might be it, I don’t know. I didn’t get involved in any of that. I take it as a compliment that they’ve named three, but I suspect it’s not due to that.“I haven’t seen them yet to speak to them, but I will do – they’ll be fine and they’ll do a great job. I’ve known them all for years, they’re top presenters.’This is why I don’t talk to old people’ – Maya Jama bites back at Gary Lineker after he revealed relationship status“I’ll be watching, but probably on iPlayer… I don’t think I’ll be watching on Saturday. Maybe the odd time, if I’m in.”Lineker confirmed recently that he will no longer do TV after leaving the BBC and will instead focus on his podcasts. More

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      Gary Lineker confirms his future plans after MOTD exit and reveals why he snubbed Sky to stay with BBC

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      GARY LINEKER confirmed he will not be joining a rival broadcaster after leaving the BBC next year and will instead focus on his podcast empire.Lineker, 64, will step down as host of Match of the Day in May after 26 years in the presenter’s seat and will leave the Beeb altogether in 2026 after next season’s FA Cup and World Cup.Gary Lineker confirmed he will not be joining a rival broadcaster after leaving the BBCCredit: PALineker is leaving the BBC next year and will focus on his podcast empireCredit: GettyThere were questions regarding the England legend’s future and many wondered if he would sign with another channel amid intense specualtion involving Sky Sports.However, the former hitman insists he will not be seen on any TV rival and will instead be doing podcasts.Lineker told FourFourTwo: “I don’t think you’ll see me doing much football, apart from the podcast.”I’ll do the odd thing, but I don’t think you’ll see me appearing regularly on another channel.”Read More on FootballLineker admitted that there were talks with Sky but he was too loyal to the BBC.Thus, the ex-Barcelona star will be focusing on his esteemed Goalhanger Podcasts, which consists of shows including The Rest Is Football, which he hosts alongside MOTD pals Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, The Rest Is Politics and The Rest Is History.Astonishingly, all 13 pods collectively achieve more than 40million downloads a month.And according to Podwatch, who get their data from iTunes and Spotify, Goalhanger Podcasts occupy the top four spots in the UK.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLineker added: “We’ve had talks with Sky at various points, but I always wanted to stick with the BBC.”I could have earned a lot more, though I know I’ve been well paid anyway, obviously.Gary Lineker blames Sir Alex Ferguson for Man Utd’s decline as he points to ‘state’ club left in”I’ve had offers to go elsewhere but I just loved being with the BBC, and also how it helps everything else you do.”It’s not only the kudos, the audience is much bigger. More people still watch Match of the Day than probably the biggest live game on Sundays.”Also, I’m quite loyal. I’ve had the same guy cut my hair for 40 years, the same guy training me in the gym for 30 years, the same agent since I was 18…”Lineker will be replaced by a three-person presenting team consisted of Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan from next season.Mark Chapman will be among Gary Lineker’s replacementsCredit: PAChapman will be joined by TV star Gabhy LoganCredit: PAKelly Cates will complete the three-person presenting teamCredit: PA More

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      BBC Sport make major change to when Premier League highlights will be shown in move that will impact Match of the Day

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      THE BBC will show Premier League highlights much earlier on Saturday nights – amid a shake-up of their weekend football coverage.Presenters like Alan Shearer, Joe Hart and Alex Scott were among 200 people at a summit at Gary Neville’s Hotel Football to discuss changes.Gary Lineker is departing MOTD at the end of the seasonCredit: ReutersAlex Scott is one of three presenters replacing LinekerCredit: GettyThe Mail say from next season a new TV deal means highlights and analysis from Saturday action will be available from 8pm online and via the iPlayer.Flagship show Match of the Day will escape much of the Beeb’s revamp – apart from the long-known exit of Gary Lineker as host after 26 years.Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will instead share the MOTD helm from 2025-26.It’s understood the hotel meeting heard the programme will stick to its tried and tested format of highlights and pundits’ assessments.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNonetheless, BBC chairman Samir Shah has hinted that won’t last for too much longer.The Manchester United fan told the Times MOTD “should not be built around highlights”.Shah added: “It should be built around analysis and examination of the match to give viewers a deeper insight.” But Saturday lunchtime programme Football Focus WILL get an overhaul next term.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe hotel summit, headed by BBC director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski, was told the pre-match show would get a sharper edge.That includes players facing tougher interviews, with more sparring between pundits and fewer softer features.’I don’t like it’ – Gary Lineker has wild reaction after spotting ex-Match of the Day star at Baller League launchThe announcements came a day after the BBC offered voluntary redundancy to most of the staff in their sports department.That’s seen as part of a move towards focusing more on online output. More