BBC presenter Gary Lineker is leaving his role on Match of the Day after this season’s final episode, citing a desire to step back due to controversy surrounding an antisemitic social media post. Lineker apologized for sharing the image and deleted it, but faced heavy criticism.
The 64-year-old, who was listed as the BBC’s highest-paid presenter, will no longer present the broadcaster’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico or next season’s FA Cup coverage.
Lineker has previously apologized for comments made on social media, including one in March 2023 that criticized government immigration policy. The BBC director-general described Lineker as a “defining voice” in football coverage but ultimately agreed that stepping back was the responsible course of action.
His departure comes after Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan will take over presenting duties from next season’s FA Cup coverage onwards.
Source: https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/45219597/gary-lineker-leave-bbc-not-present-2026-world-cup