Gary Lineker has discussed his next steps after announcing he is set to leave the BBC this week.
It was announced on Monday that Gary Lineker was to leave the BBC at the conclusion of this year’s Premier League season, with his final show coming on Sunday.
Lineker, 64, had already announced his decision to step down from his presenting duties on Match of the Day, but was expected to continue with the BBC for next year’s FA Cup coverage and the 2026 World Cup.
However, following recent backlash regarding a social media post that many have deemed anti-Semitic, Lineker has had his BBC contract ripped up, and will be leaving the broadcaster earlier than planned.
Gary Lineker was spotted on Monday outside of his London home after announcing he was leaving the BBC early
Reuters
The former English international did apologise ‘unreservedly’ for his ‘mistake’. However, following his previous row with the BBC after comparing Suella Braverman’s asylum policy to ‘Germany in the 1930s’, both parties agreed that Lineker should step down.
“I would like once again to say I'm sorry, unreservedly, for the hurt and upset caused”, Lineker said.
“It was a genuine mistake and oversight, but I should have been more diligent, I know that. I've stood up for minorities and humanitarian issues and against all forms of racism all of my life, including, of course, antisemitism, which I absolutely abhor.
“There's no place for it and never should be.”
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Gary Lineker said he was "sorry, unreservedly, for the hurt and upset caused"
PA
With next season’s FA Cup and World Cup coverage off the table, the question remains as to what it is that Lineker will turn his attention to.
Speaking to the BBC recently, Lineker said: “I think I'll probably focus more on the podcast world, because it's such a fun business and it's just been so incredible.”
Lineker is co-founder of the podcast production company Goalhanger.
The company produces podcasts such as The Rest is Football, hosted by Lineker himself along with BBC pals Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, as well as The Rest is Politics and The Rest is Entertainment.
In fact, Goalhanger are responsible for six of the top 20 podcasts in the UK this year on Spotify.
Additionally, the podcast industry has taken to Lineker, with Goalhanger’s retained earnings rising by £1.4million over the last 12 months.
The empire also boasts well over £1million in profits, and presents a good opportunity for the 64-year-old to remain in the media industry.
It has been reported by the Daily Mail that the decision for Lineker to leave BBC earlier than planned was not the former Leicester striker’s decision, but actually the company's.
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Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer were joined by Everton manager David Moyes during a live episode of The Rest is Football
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He will, reportedly, also be leaving without a financial settlement.
In a statement, Lineker said: “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 antisemitic – 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.”
BBC director general Tim Davie agreed it was the ‘responsible’ decision, as he thanked the presenter for his three decades of service to the broadcaster.
“Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season.
Davie, 58, continued: “Gary has been a defining voice in football coverage for the BBC for over two decades. His passion and knowledge have shaped our sports journalism and earned him the respect of sports fans across the UK and beyond.
“We want to thank him for the contribution he has made.”
Gary Lineker reposted material to his social media channels that include anti-Semitic imagery
In a surprising turn, Lineker recently featured on a new TV show, The Assembly, aired on BBC competitor ITV, which could open the door for more gigs with the broadcaster.
During the show, Lineker was asked a set of probing questions by a panel of autistic and learning-disabled interviewers.
It seems clear Lineker will continue to stay in the media industry, and the podcast side has proven to be lucrative for the iconic presenter, which could be the right place for him and his outspoken social media presence.
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