BBC sports presenter Gary Lineker has announced that he is leaving the BBC early by ‘mutual agreement’ just days after he apologised for sharing an Instagram post with antisemitic connotations.
The corporation’s highest-paid star was expected to lead the BBC’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada but will no longer present at the tournament.
Last week, Lineker "apologised unreservedly" after facing allegations of antisemitism after sharing an anti-Zionist Instagram video that featured an image of a cartoon rat.
In his apology, the former England star said: "On Instagram I reposted material which I have since learned contained offensive references," he said in a statement. "I very much regret these references.”
The account from which Lineker shared the clip has previously claimed that Israel 'controls the US government' (Image: Instagram/@palestinelobby)[Missing Credit]
The former England football player claimed, "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.”
He said he deleted the post "as soon as I became aware of the issue".
Initially the presenter denied that he noticed the rat image, and was unaware of the historical connotations of the rat, especially its use by the Nazis to demonise Jews during the Holocaust.
The video was originally posted by an activist group called Palestine Lobby and was reposted onto Lineker’s Instagram story.
Freelance journalist Etan Smallman, who originally posted the screenshot on social media quipped that the rat symbol was “not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 1930s”, mimicking Lineker’s comments about the Tories’ immigration policies under the Conservative government in 2023, which saw him suspended from Match of the Day for contravening BBC impartiality rules.
In a statement, 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.”
Gary Lineker said:“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.”
