The BBC has confirmed that Gary Lineker will leave the corporation at the end of this football season, following a backlash over a social media post widely condemned as antisemitic.
Lineker’s final appearance on Match of the Day will air next weekend. He will no longer front the BBC’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup of next season’s FA Cup.
The announcement follows reports on Sunday that Lineker had agreed to step down “by mutual agreement” after reposting a video about Zionism featuring an animated rat – an image long associated with antisemitic propaganda used by the Nazis.
Gary Lineker shares as ‘explainer’ video on Zionism, with the image of a rat next to the title
“Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made,” said BBC Director-General Tim Davie. “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.”
In a statement, Lineker said he regretted the post and accepted that stepping away was the right move.
“I care deeply about the game, and about the work I’ve done with the BBC over many years,” he said. “As I’ve said, I would 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.”
Gary Lineker appears in a video statement following confirmation of his departure from the BBC. Photo Credit: BBC/@garylineker (Instagram)
The post – shared with Lineker’s 12 million followers last Tuesday – sparked widespread outrage from Jewish communal figures and campaigners, who said the imagery evoked classic antisemitic tropes. Lineker initially claimed he had not noticed the rat image, before deleting the video and issuing an “unreserved apology”.
A source quoted in national media said Lineker had offered to leave at the end of the season to avoid dragging the BBC “into further controversy” and still held the organisation in “the highest esteem”.
The BBC has not yet announced who will replace him. His final Match of the Day episode is expected to air on Sunday, 25 May.
