Sport

Gary Lineker Bids Farewell to BBC: No More World Cup Hosting!

2025-05-19

Author: Ling

The End of an Era for Gary Lineker

In a stunning announcement, the BBC revealed that football legend Gary Lineker will officially step down from his presenting duties following the final episode of this season's Match of the Day this Sunday. Fans of the iconic show will soon have to adjust to a new era.

No World Cup? Lineker Out!

Adding to the shock, the BBC confirmed that Lineker will not be leading the coverage for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, nor will he feature in the next season's FA Cup broadcasts.

Controversy Strikes!

This surprising exit follows a social media debacle where Lineker faced backlash for sharing a post about Zionism that included an image historically linked to antisemitic insults. Although he deleted the post and expressed regret, the controversy has stained his long-standing career.

Lineker's Heartfelt Acknowledgment

In a heartfelt statement, the 64-year-old reflected on his journey: "Football has been at the heart of my life... I'm deeply saddened by the upset caused, and stepping back now feels like the responsible choice." Lineker assured fans that he would never intentionally share anything antisemitic.

A History of Social Media Scrutiny

This isn’t the first time the former England star has found himself in hot water over social media. Earlier this year, he was suspended from the BBC for criticizing the government’s immigration policies, labeling them "immeasurably cruel" and drawing comparisons to dark historical moments.

BBC's Grateful Goodbye

Tim Davie, the BBC's director-general, acknowledged Lineker's mistakes but recognized his immense contributions over the past two decades, stating, "Gary has been a defining voice in football coverage for the BBC. We thank him for his incredible impact on sports journalism."

What’s Next for Fans?

As Lineker steps away, viewers will see Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan take the reins of Match of the Day starting next season. Fans are eagerly awaiting how these new faces will shape the show's future.