Match of the Day host Gary Lineker is set to announce his departure from the BBC 14 months early on Monday amid an antisemitism row after sharing a pro-Palestine video
Gary Lineker will present Match of the Day for the final time on Sunday. Lineker, 64, had always planned to step out of the hosting chair after showing highlights from the final day of this season’s Premier League, but the episode will be even more poignant after reportedly making the decision to quit the BBC.
It emerged just before 10pm this past Sunday that the former England striker’s position is now ‘untenable’ in the eyes of BBC bosses amid an antisemitism row. Lineker had been due to continue working for the BBC throughout the 2025-26 season, leading their FA Cup coverage and presenting at next summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
But after receiving backlash for sharing and then deleting a pro-Palestine video which featured an ‘antisemitic’ rat emoji, it was reported that Lineker was considering leaving the BBC early. Now the ex-Barcelona, Tottenham and Everton star is said to have made a decision, with an announcement expected on Monday.
Lineker issued a public apology after deleting the video from campaign group Palestine Lobby. His statement read: “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. 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.”
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Lineker’s three replacements on Match of the Day were confirmed in January. Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan – all experienced BBC employees – will share presenting duties.
In an interview with FourFourTwo magazine last month, Lineker said that the trio will do a ‘great job’ of replacing him. The 64-year-old also suggested that the BBC are right to split the hosting duties between three ‘top presenters’ because of the demands of the job.
“That’s probably down to the fact it’s a massive commitment,” Lineker explained. “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.
Have the BBC made the right decision on his replacements? Have your say in the comments section.
“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. 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.”
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