Controversial Lineker to Leave BBC Earlier Than Expected

Former footballer and presenter Gary Lineker is leaving the BBC earlier than expected after facing renewed controversy. The British broadcaster announced that Lineker (64) will make his final appearance as a presenter this weekend.

This means Lineker will no longer be involved in next year's World Cup coverage. Previously, the presenter and the network had agreed he would step down from the popular program Match of the Day but remain for FA Cup broadcasts and the World Cup.

Last week, Lineker apologized after sharing a video on social media from a group known for pro-Palestine and anti-Israel stances. The video's description featured an image of a rat, historically used as an antisemitic insult.

"I love football and the work I've done at the BBC for many years," Lineker said in a statement. "As I've said before, I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic online—it goes against everything I stand for."

Lineker had previously been suspended by the BBC in March 2023 after comparing the UK's asylum policy to Nazi Germany. In late 2023, he also clashed with then-Defense Minister Grant Shapps over comments that allegedly violated the broadcaster's impartiality rules.