Gary Lineker to leave BBC next week and will no longer host World Cup coverage in 2026

Gary Lineker is to leave the BBC after this season's final Match Of The Day and will no longer present its coverage of the World Cup, Sky News understands.

It comes after he "apologised unreservedly" for sharing a social media post featuring a rat - used in propaganda by Nazi Germany to dehumanise Jewish people - and said he would "never knowingly share anything antisemitic".

Lineker's last appearance on the BBC will be on 25 May, the final day of the season, with confirmation expected on Monday.

The former England star announced in November he would step down from Match Of The Day this year, but was set to return to front the World Cup in 2026, as well as FA Cup coverage.

Lineker, 64, said he was unaware the post he shared was antisemitic and it went against "everything I believe in".

In response to the presenter resharing the post, the Campaign Against Antisemitism said his "continued association with the BBC is untenable".

And when asked about Lineker last week, BBC director general Tim Davie said: "When someone makes a mistake, it costs the BBC reputationally."

The presenter was temporarily suspended from the BBC in March 2023 after an impartiality row over comments he made criticising the then Conservative government's asylum policy.

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Lineker has hosted Match Of The Day since 1999 and has been the BBC's highest-paid on-air talent for seven consecutive years. He also has a successful podcast production company.

Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan will take over the highlights show from next season.

When the trio take over as hosts, it will be the first time the role has been shared by three people.

Sky News has contacted the BBC for comment.

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