Gary Lineker is reportedly expected to announce he will leave the BBC on Monday.
As a result, he will not present the broadcaster’s coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Getty Images - GettyLineker will depart the BBC earlier than anticipated[/caption]The Sun reports Lineker will bring an early end to his BBC tenure via mutual agreement, days after he apologised for sharing a post which led to accusations of anti-semitism.
“It is a heartbreaking end to an extraordinary broadcasting career,” a source told the publication.
Lineker came under fire after he re-shared a pro-Gaza video which likened supporters of Israel to rats.
was soon deleted but not before it was widely viewed and sparked calls for the BBC to part ways with Lineker.
The 64-year-old issued an apology the following day and said: “On Instagram I reposted material which I have since learned contained offensive references.
“I very much regret these references. I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic. It goes against everything I believe in.
“ was removed as soon as I became aware of the issue.
“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 announced last October Lineker would depart flagship show Match of the Day at the end of the 2024/25 season.
Lineker’s post on social media sparked major backlashAlamyThe former England international had presented the highlights show since 1999.
In the announcement, it was revealed Lineker would remain part of the BBC’s football coverage for a further 18 months before cutting all ties with the broadcaster.
He had agreed a contract extension to stay on and present next season’s FA Cup coverage along with the 2026 World Cup.
But that will be no longer following the expected announcement on Monday.
Lineker’s future at the BBC was a hot topic earlier in the season given his contract was due to expire at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
The 64-year-old also commanded a salary more than £1.3million-a-year at the BBC, the broadcaster’s highest declared salary for a presenter.
Lineker was the highest earner among the BBC’s presentersGettyLineker had previously come under fire for his social media usage.
In March last year, Lineker was briefly suspended from hosting Match of the Day after a Twitter post about the British government’s asylum policy prompted a row about BBC presenters expressing political views on social media.
Shearer’s fellow presenters and pundits, including Alan Shearer and Ian Wright, refused to appear on the show in solidarity with Lineker and it was reduced to a 20-minute highlights package, which contained no hosts, pundits or commentary.
Lineker was reinstated to the programme just over a week later.
The 64-year-old replaced Des Lynam in the MOTD role in 1999 after moving into punditry and presenting following his playing career.
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