The BBC have announced that Gary Lineker will step down from his presenting role earlier than planned, and will now leave following the conclusion of Match of the Day for the 2024/25 season next weekend.
It was also confirmed that Lineker will not be part of BBC's coverage of next year's FA Cup, or the 2026 World Cup.
This comes after Lineker issued an apology for sharing an Instagram story about Zionism, featuring a picture of a rat. Lineker who deleted the post, said: "I take full responsibility for this mistake. That image does not reflect my views".
"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", Lineker said last week. "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".
The post led to calls from the Campaign Against Antisemitism for Lineker to be dismissed from his role.
"Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember - both on the pitch and in the studio", Lineker said. "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".
Speaking about this, BBC Director-General, Tim Davie 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", he added.
Gary Lineker had previously announced that he would be stepping down as MOTD host last November, but would still host the following year's coverage of the FA Cup and World Cup on the BBC.
In March 2023, Gary Lineker had been temporarily suspended by the BBC following a row over impartiality, after he criticised the then-UK Government's asylum policy.
Earlier this year, another BBC presenter Jermaine Jenas, who had been widely tipped to succeed Gary Lineker as Match of the Day host at one stage, was sacked by the BBC following allegations that he had sent inappropriate messages to a female colleague. More on this here.
