England great Gary Lineker to leave BBC over anti-semitism row following controversial social media post

The $2.85m-a-year BBC career of English football legend Gary Lineker is over – with the presenter falling on his sword after a social media storm led to him being accused of anti-Semitism.

Gary Lineker is set to announce he is leaving the BBC and will not front the 2026 World Cup following an anti-Semitism 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.

A source told The Sun: “It is a heartbreaking end to an extraordinary broadcasting career.”

Lineker 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 anti-Semitism.

Ex-England striker Lineker, 64, faced a huge backlash after he reposted a video which criticised Zionism and included an illustration of a rat.

Former England footballer Gary Lineker. Picture: AFP

He 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.”

The 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 ($A2.85m) a year.

Lineker has been a prominent broadcaster for 26 years. Picture: AFP

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.
And 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 nonpartisan 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 1.2 million followers.

A Manchester City fan holds a banner reading "Gary Lineker for Prime Minister". Picture: AFP

The re-post led to widespread calls for the BBC to drop Gary and the charity Campaign Against Anti-Semitism said it was submitting a complaint to the corporation.

In 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 anti-Semitic. 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.”

Gary Lineker has been an outspoken figure on social media – and has previously clashed with BBC bosses over his views. Picture: Getty

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.

This story originally appeared in the Sun and has been republished with permission.

Originally published as England great Gary Lineker to leave BBC over anti-semitism row following controversial social media post