Gary Lineker, the renowned former England striker and long-standing presenter of the BBC's "Match of the Day," is set to depart from the broadcaster following a recent social media controversy. Lineker shared an Instagram post featuring a rat image associated with Zionism, which drew criticism for its perceived antisemitic connotations. He promptly deleted the post and issued an apology, acknowledging the offense caused and stating it was a genuine mistake.

The BBC confirmed that Lineker's final appearance will be on the concluding episode of "Match of the Day" for the 2024/25 season. Consequently, he will not be part of the BBC's coverage for the 2026 World Cup or the upcoming FA Cup season. BBC Director-General Tim Davie praised Lineker's contributions over his 26-year tenure, noting his significant role in shaping the broadcaster's football coverage.

Lineker's departure marks the end of an era for BBC Sport. He had previously announced plans to step down from "Match of the Day" but intended to continue with other presenting duties. However, the recent incident accelerated his exit. The BBC has announced that Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan will share presenting responsibilities moving forward.

Reflecting on his departure, Lineker expressed gratitude for his time at the BBC, describing it as a "pleasure and a huge privilege." He emphasized his commitment to standing against all forms of racism, including antisemitism, and acknowledged that stepping back was the responsible course of action. As Lineker transitions away from his BBC role, he continues to engage audiences through his podcast venture, Goalhanger Productions.