Gary Lineker 'quits' BBC and will not present the World Cup as exit date revealed

Gary Lineker is set to announce his departure from the BBC after 26 years following backlash to a post he shared which was perceived to be antisemitic.

Former England footballer Lineker has fronted BBC's football coverage for more than two decades, including Match of the Day, international tournaments and FA Cup fixtures.

He has been the organisation's highest-paid contributor, collecting a reported £1.35 million per year for his presenting duties.

It was confirmed in November that Lineker would be stepping down as Match of the Day host at the end of the season, with presenters Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan alternating duties for the flagship football show.

Lineker was still scheduled to present next season's coverage of the FA Cup for the BBC, as well as the 2026 World Cup in North America.

However, on Sunday night, The Sun reported that Lineker had made a mutual agreement to leave - following backlash for a controversial post he made on his Instagram story.

Last week, the ex Spurs and Barcelona player reposted a video about Zionism from an account called 'Palestine Lobby' that contained a cartoon illustration of a rat - a term used in Nazi Germany as a slur against Jewish people.

Gary Lineker is cutting ties with the BBC after 26 years. Image: Getty

Lineker faced heavy backlash from Jewish groups and issued a statement apologising for the post and any offence caused.

“I very much regret these references," Lineker said.

"I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic. It goes against everything I believe in.

“The post was removed as soon as I became aware of the issue.

“Whilst I strongly believe in the importance of speaking out on humanitarian issues, including the tragedy unfolding in Gaza, I also know that how we do so matters.

"I take full responsibility for this mistake. That image does not reflect my views.”

In response, the director-general of the BBC, Tim Davie, said that "the BBC's reputation is held by everyone" as he reiterated "we absolutely need people to be exemplars of BBC values".

Gary Lineker was told to step back by the BBC during similar situation in 2023

Lineker was previously on the brink of departing the broadcaster in similar circumstances in 2023 after he compared the language used by Conservative Government about immigration to '30s Germany'.

He was told to step back amid an impartiality row but the decision led to a monumental boycott of the broadcaster's programming as colleagues sides with the 64-year-old.

After a period of absence, Lineker returned to present an FA Cup game between Manchester City and Burnley but will now have his final BBC hosting gig for the season finale on Sunday when he presents his final Match of the Day.

"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," a source told The Sun.

“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 last Match of the Day will air on Sunday now and he won’t be back.”

Lineker is set to focus on hosting the Rest is Football podcast which is housed by his production and distribution company Goalhanger and features Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.

SPORTbible has reached out to the BBC for comment.