The BBC has announced that Gary Lineker will leave his presenting role following the conclusion of Match of the Day for the 2024/25 season and will not be part of the BBC's coverage of the 2026 World Cup or next season's FA Cup coverage.
The 64-year-old's departure comes after he apologised "unreservedly" for sharing an Instagram story about Zionism, which he deleted, and which had featured a picture of a rat, saying: "I take full responsibility for this mistake. That image does not reflect my views."
The post prompted calls by the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) for Lineker to be sacked.
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."
The current season of Match of the Day will conclude next Sunday.
Lineker anchored the BBC's coverage of the FA Cup final on Saturday, which saw Crystal Palace beat Manchester City 1-0.
In his apology last week, Lineker said: "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."
Lineker was temporarily suspended from the BBC in March 2023 after an impartiality row over comments he made criticising the then-UK government's new asylum policy.
He was also among 500 other high-profile figures who signed an open letter in February urging the BBC to rebroadcast a documentary, Gaza: How to Survive a War Zone, to BBC iPlayer.
Last November, Lineker announced he would be stepping down from presenting Match of the Day at the end of the season but would still host World Cup and FA Cup coverage.
The presenter has been the BBC's highest-paid on-air talent for seven consecutive years and was estimated to have earned £1.35 million in the year 2023/24, according to the corporation's annual report published in July.
When he stepped down, it was reported that he was open to staying on at Match of the Day but was not offered a new deal for the show.
The Leicester-born star will be replaced by Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates, and Mark Chapman, who will share the presenting role on Match of the Day from the next Premier League season.
Lineker joined the programme having started as a BBC Radio Five Live presenter, also working on Grandstand during his early years in broadcasting.
The former England striker is the co-founder of Goalhanger Podcasts, makers of the popular The Rest Is History series and its spin-offs about politics, football, entertainment, and money.
The parting of ways also includes the licensing deal for the Goalhanger podcast titles on BBC Sounds which ends this year, the PA news agency understands.
Source: Press Association
