The BBC has confirmed Gary Lineker will go away after this season’s last Match of the Day and can not current its protection of the World Cup subsequent 12 months.
It comes after he “apologised unreservedly” for a social media re-post that includes a rat, saying he would “by no means knowingly share something antisemitic”.
Lineker’s final look on the BBC can be on Could 25, the ultimate day of the Premier League season.
The BBC stated: “Gary Lineker will go away his presenting function following the conclusion of Match of the Day for the 2024/25 season.
“He won’t be a part of the BBC’s protection of the 2026 World Cup or subsequent season’s FA Cup protection.”
The previous England star introduced in November he would step down from Match of the Day this 12 months, however was set to return to entrance the World Cup in 2026, in addition to FA Cup protection.
Lineker64, stated he was unaware the put up he shared was antisemitic and that it went in opposition to “every thing I imagine in”.
Following affirmation of his departure, Lineker added: “Soccer has been on the coronary heart of my life for so long as I can keep in mind – each on the pitch and within the studio.
“I care deeply in regards to the sport, and in regards to the work I’ve accomplished with the BBC over a few years.
“As I’ve stated, I might by no means consciously repost something antisemitic – it goes in opposition to every thing I stand for.
“Nonetheless, I recognise the error and upset that I brought on, and reiterate how sorry I’m. Stepping again now feels just like the accountable plan of action.”
Tim Davie, BBC director common, stated: “Gary has acknowledged the error he made.
“Accordingly, we now have agreed he’ll step again from additional presenting after this season.
“Gary has been a defining voice in soccer protection for the BBC for over twenty years.
“His ardour and data have formed our sports activities journalism and earned him the respect of sports activities followers throughout the UK and past.
“We need to thank him for the contribution he has made.”
The presenter was quickly suspended from the BBC in March 2023 after an impartiality row over feedback he made criticising the then Conservative authorities’s asylum coverage.
Lineker has hosted Match Of The Day since 1999 and has been the BBC’s highest-paid on-air expertise for seven consecutive years.
Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan will take over the highlights present from subsequent season.
When the trio take over as hosts, it will likely be the primary time the function has been shared by three individuals.
