IN March 2023, The BBC suspended Gary Lineker from Match of the Day duties following a tweet it deemed to be in breach of its guidelines.
The beloved presenter has now announced that following an explosive row over anti-Semitism.
On May 19, 2025, Gary Lineker announced that he is leaving the BBC and will not front the following an antisemitism row.
The formerand striker is leaving the broadcaster by mutual agreement after 26 years.
The Match of the Day host’s early departure comes five days after he apologised for that saw him accused of antisemitism.
The 64-year-old faced a huge backlash after he reposted a video.
A source told The Sun: “It is a heartbreaking end to an extraordinary broadcasting career.
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 lastwill air on Sunday now and he won’t be back.”;;
While : “Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember — both on the pitch and in the studio.
“I care deeply about the game, and about the work I’ve done with the BBC over many years.
“As I’ve said, I would never consciously repost anything anti-Semitic — 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’s final Match of the Day ever is scheduled for Sunday, May 25, 2025.
He will reportedly not receive a pay off despite being the broadcaster’s highest paid star, raking in £1.35million a year, according toThe Times.
What did Gary Lineker tweet?
In March 2023, Gary took toto hit out at the, which bans migrants who arrive on small boats from settling in Britain.
He tweeted: “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the ’30s, and I’m out of order?”;;
In a statement, theBBCsaid it has “decided that he will step back from presenting Match of the Day until we’ve got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media.”;;
that the presenter would return for the BBC’s live coverage of the FA Cup the following Saturday after tense talks.
What have Ian Wright and Alan Shearer said?
Lineker’s co-hosts on Match of The Day, from the show in a sign of solidarity to Lineker.
Wright tweeted: “Everybody knows what Match of the Day means to me, but I’ve told the BBC I won’t be doing it tomorrow. Solidarity.”;;
This was shortly followed by co-star Alan Shearer who said: “I have informed the BBC that I won’t be appearing on MOTD tomorrow night.”;;
Alex Scott, Jermaine Jenas, Micah Richards and Mark Chapman also all showed support for Gary.
This meant Match of the Day went ahead without a following his suspension
Who is replacing Gary on Match of the Day?
In January 2025, the .
The trio will share presenting duties for the flagshipon a Saturday night, plus Match of the Day 2 on Sunday evenings.
will be part of a three-person presenting team alongsideandfrom next season.
A statement posted on the show’sXpage read: “New squad for next season!
“We’re delighted to announce that Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will share Match of the Day presenting duties from 2025-26.”;;
