Gary Lineker, the renowned former England striker and long-time host of Match of the Day, is reportedly in talks to launch a new show with a rival broadcaster following his departure from the BBC. This move comes after an incident involving a controversial social media post that led to accusations of anti-semitism.
Lineker's exit from the broadcasting giant marks the end of a 26-year tenure. He will host Match of the Day for one last time on Sunday and will no longer present key events such as the 2025/26 FA Cup and 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The decision for Lineker's departure was mutually agreed upon after he shared a video likening supporters of Israel to rats, echoing antisemitic sentiments prevalent during Nazi Germany. Despite deleting this post, it had already been widely viewed on social media.
Potential comeback with Club World Cup coverage
Despite his exit from BBC, Lineker could make a swift return to football presenting as early as this summer by covering Club World Cup in United States. According to reports, there are ongoing discussions about his podcast 'The Rest is Football' creating shows that feature clips from matches.
Lineker's production company Goalhanger Productions is said to be considering this project in collaboration with DAZN - global rights holders for tournament coverage. Since 1999, Gary Lineker has been synonymous with Match Of The Day - an iconic sports program cherished by fans across generations. His departure signifies not just an end but also ushers in new beginnings as Kelly Cates, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman step up to fill his shoes.
While controversy may have marked his exit from BBC, Gary Linekar’s potential return through another platform demonstrates resilience and passion for football presenting. As sports fans and sports betting enthusiasts, we can look forward to seeing how this new chapter unfolds for Lineker and the fresh perspectives he will bring to football coverage.
