**Gary Lineker Announces Departure from BBC, Steps Away from World Cup Coverage**
Renowned sports broadcaster Gary Lineker is poised to officially step down from the BBC, marking the end of over two decades as the familiar face of football programming, including the iconic ‘Match of the Day’. The news, which is set to be confirmed on Monday, signals Lineker’s intention not to lead the BBC’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Lineker, now 64, took over the presenting duties for ‘Match of the Day’ in 1999, succeeding Des Lynam. Since then, he has become synonymous with the network’s football coverage, guiding viewers through Premier League highlights, international tournaments, and major cup finals with his distinctive mix of insight and wit. His decision to step down reportedly follows mounting internal and public pressure, culminating in what sources have described as a “heartbreaking end to an extraordinary broadcasting career”.
His exit from the BBC comes in the wake of recent controversy involving his social media activity. Lineker faced sharp criticism, notably from the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA), after he reposted and later deleted an image from a group supportive of Palestine, which featured a rat. He has since issued an unreserved apology for his actions, but the incident has fuelled wider debates around impartiality and broadcaster conduct, themes that have been increasingly tense in recent years at the BBC.
While the presenter is expected to appear for his last ‘Match of the Day’ broadcast this coming Sunday, reports indicate he will play no part in the BBC’s World Cup broadcasts across the United States, Mexico, and Canada in 2026. This transition comes shortly after Lineker anchored the BBC’s coverage of the FA Cup final, where Crystal Palace secured a narrow victory over Manchester City.
Lineker’s relationship with the BBC has, at times, been fraught. In March 2023, he was temporarily suspended following a public impartiality dispute triggered by his comments on the government’s asylum seeker policy. The incident underscored broader tensions between high-profile presenters and the broadcaster regarding freedom of expression and editorial guidelines. Notably, earlier this year, Lineker joined hundreds of public figures in urging the BBC to reinstate a controversial documentary onto its streaming platform, reinforcing his willingness to take public stances on divisive issues.
Back in November, Lineker signalled his intention to step away from the ‘Match of the Day’ presenting role at the end of the football season but initially indicated a desire to remain involved with the BBC’s coverage of major tournaments such as the World Cup and the FA Cup. Despite these ambitions, fresh contract discussions reportedly did not materialise, leading to the current decision.
On the financial front, Lineker has long stood as the BBC’s highest-paid on-air personality. Reports indicate he was paid approximately £1.35 million for his work in the 2023-24 financial year, reflecting his enduring value to the broadcaster and the significant public profile he has maintained.
Looking ahead, a trio of presenters – Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman – are preparing to step into the role, sharing hosting duties on ‘Match of the Day’ for the upcoming Premier League season. Their appointment marks a moment of significant change for the programme, which has routinely drawn millions of viewers each week.
Lineker’s journey into broadcasting began after his distinguished footballing career, launching at BBC Radio Five Live and establishing himself further as a regular on the network’s flagship sports show ‘Grandstand’. More recently, he has diversified his media interests, notably co-founding Goalhanger Podcasts, the creators behind the hit series ‘The Rest Is History’ and its successful range of political, football, and cultural spin-offs.
The departure of Gary Lineker represents a watershed moment not only for BBC Sport but for British television as a whole. As the network prepares for a new era, speculation will doubtless continue regarding Lineker’s next move, with his impact on sports broadcasting likely to be felt for years to come.