Gary Lineker’s 28 years of work with the BBC came to an end on Sunday, after a controversial social media post about the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The 64-year-old was due to step down as host of Match of the Day this month, but would still lead the FA Cup and World Cup coverage next year.
Following the backlash from his social media posts, that is no longer the case. Sunday’s Match of the Day was the last time Lineker will work with the BBC, with BBC bosses reportedly deeming his position “untenable”
The post, which Lineker quickly deleted, featured a rat emote alongside content described as ‘anti-zionist’.
Gary Linekar's time with the BBC is over
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The rat imagery, which is widely recognised as an anti-Semitic trope, sparked extreme backlash and once again brought into question Lineker’s social media conduct.
Lineker released a statement on his fast-tracked departure saying: “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.
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"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.”
This is not the first time Lineker’s actions have come under scrutiny over impartiality, something that is a contractual obligation for all presenters.
He was previously suspended in 2023 for comments on UK immigration policy.
So now his tenure with the BBC has ended what is the next move for Gary Lineker?
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Lineker was supposed to front the FA Cup next season
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Lineker has curated an impressive audio broadcasting empire over the last 10 years through his Goalhanger podcasts company. The company produces hit shows like The Rest is History, The Rest is Politics and The Rest is Football.
The football show is hosted by Lineker himself alongside Alan Shearer and Micah Richards and is one of the most downloaded sports podcasts in the country.
Speaking to FourFourTwo Lineker explained: "I don't think you'll see me doing much football, apart from the podcast. I'll do the odd thing, but I don't think you'll see me appearing regularly on another channel."
Lineker recently revealed that he ‘demanded’ a £50m cheque after being approached by ITV.
After he announced he would be leaving Match of the Day in November last year, he received a variety of offers from all aspects of television.
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One was from Celebrity Big Brother, a show he had no interest in appearing on.
Lineker told podcast colleagues Shearer and Richards: "Do you know last week I got requests to go on Celebrity Big Brother?
My agent sent it through, and then jokingly he replied, 'Oh, yes. Gary's fee will be £50 million!'
"He did it completely as a joke, obviously. And they came back said, 'Oh, that's a little bit... that's not within our budget.'"
Lineker also revealed that he had serious talks with Sky: "We've had talks with Sky at various points, but I always wanted to stick with the BBC.
"I could have earned a lot more, though I know I've been well paid anyway, obviously.
Gary Lineker's 28 year tenure at the BBC is over
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"I've had offers to go elsewhere but I just loved being with the BBC, and also how it helps everything else you do. It's not only the kudos, the audience is much bigger. More people still watch Match of the Day than probably the biggest live game on Sundays.
"Also, I'm quite loyal. I've had the same guy cut my hair for 40 years, the same guy training me in the gym for 30 years, the same agent since I was 18."
The most interesting turn could be a cooking show as the former England midfielder told The Times that he had been offered a cooking show opportunity:
"I've been offered to do cookery programmes, but I don't want to, because while I'm a very keen cook and I think I'm a good cook, I'm not Gordon f***ing Ramsay," he said.
"I enjoy cooking, but I didn't see myself doing that on screen," he admitted. "I'd like to tell you I'm a very good cook. I'm pretty good. I've been doing it for 10 years now, and I'm obsessive. So if I do something and I realise I'm reasonably good at it, I'll throw my heart and soul at it."
