Gary Lineker quits BBC, will not host World Cup amid backlash over antisemitism row

Gary Lineker is expected to quit the BBC, which comes after backlash following a controversial post last week.

The presenter will no longer present coverage of the 2026 World Cup, with the star reportedly set to step down after presenting a final edition of Match Of The Day this coming weekend.

It comes after Lineker recently shared and then deleted a post on his Instagram Stories from the Palestine Lobby about Zionism with the title: “Zionism explained in less than 2 min,” which featured a rat emoji; rats have historically been used as antisemitic insults.

Lineker later released a statement apologising “unreservedly”, while BBC Director General Tim Davie added that “the BBC’s reputation is held by everyone, and when someone makes a mistake, it costs us”.

Nothing to see here.

Just Gary Lineker’s Instagram account sharing an anti-Israel video misrepresenting Zionism, complete with a rat emoji. pic.twitter.com/ysuVGH52SN

— Campaign Against Antisemitism (@antisemitism) May 12, 2025

It is now being reported that Lineker will be leaving the BBC, with an announcement expected today (May 19).

In his original apology, Lineker said: “On Instagram I reposted material which I have since learned contained offensive references. I very much regret these references. I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic. It goes against everything I believe in.

“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. It was an error on my part for which I apologise unreservedly.”

Lineker was previously temporarily taken off Match Of The Day in 2023 amid accusations of breaching the BBC’s impartiality rules, which came after he criticised the then-Conservative government’s immigration policy.

I have been presenting sport on the BBC for almost 3 decades and am immeasurably proud to work with the best and fairest broadcaster in the world. I cannot wait to get back in the MOTD chair on Saturday. 2/4

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) March 13, 2023

Fellow football pundits Alan Shearer and Ian Wright boycotted the show in solidarity, though Lineker later returned after reaching an agreement with the BBC, with the corporation conducting a review into guidance for social media for freelancers outside news and current affairs.

Meanwhile, last year Lineker revealed he had stopped posting his opinions on X/Twitter and blamed “odd bloke” Elon Musk for his decision.

“There was a time you could have little chats with people on there and a bit of banter but now it is impossible because before I could have chats with people I either followed or were blue-tick people but now everyone’s got a blue tick so that doesn’t work anymore,” he told The Independent.

“I have become a bit bored with it. It is a very unpleasant world there and Musk is clearly a very odd bloke.”

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