Gary Lineker has released a statement confirming that he has quit the BBC. The presenter has stepped down from his role with the company after 26 years of coverage, and he is set to make his final appearance for the broadcaster this weekend when he fronts Match of the Day. He was always due to leave MOTD after this weekend but was set to host the coverage of the 2026 World Cup next summer, which he now no longer will.

Lineker announced his decision on Monday, 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. 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.”

Tim Davie, BBC Director-General, said: “Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season.

“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.”

The former England international landed himself in hot water last week when sharing a pro-Palestine post on his Instagram profile amid the conflict in Gaza, prompting accusations of antisemitism and widespread backlash. The post contained a rat, which has been used to represent the Jewish community in antisemitic propaganda throughout history, including by the Nazi party.

Lineker soon issued an apology for the repost and insisted that he was not aware of the ‘offensive references’ and ‘regretted’ making the post. He also deleted it from his profile, but that did not prevent calls for him to be sacked by some members of the public.

It is not the first time that Lineker has come under pressure to walk away from the BBC due to his desire to speak publicly about his political beliefs, and the 64-year-old has now decided that this summer is the right time for a parting of ways.

In March 2023, Lineker was taken off air after tweeting about how he felt that the government’s asylum policy was ‘not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s’, with Home Secretary Suella Braverman among those to criticise the post and the language he used.

The ex-striker soon returned to television screens after talks with the BBC, but he is set to present the flagship football show for the final time this weekend when the Premier League season draws to a close.

Lineker had been due to continue working for the BBC throughout the 2025/26 campaign, covering fixtures in the FA Cup and also the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. However, the broadcaster will now have to replace the former Tottenham and Leicester forward.

After revealing that he would be stepping down from presenting Match of the Day late last year, the BBC announced in January that his position would be split between Kelly Cates, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman next season.