It looks like Gary Lineker’s long relationship with the BBC is wrapping up sooner—and more turbulently—than expected.
While he was already planning to leave his role as host of Match of the Day at the end of this football season, fresh controversy has now pushed things into fast-forward.
He’s expected to officially step down from the broadcaster tomorrow, and that includes stepping away from upcoming duties like the 2026 World Cup coverage and the 2025-26 FA Cup—a major shake-up for one of British TV’s most familiar sports faces.
Instagram Post Sparks Uproar and Allegations of Antisemitism
The sudden change comes after Lineker shared a pro-Palestinian video on his Instagram story that included imagery widely seen as antisemitic—specifically a clip that used rat-related symbolism, something that evokes dark and offensive propaganda from Nazi-era Germany.
The backlash from parts of the Jewish community was swift and intense.
Although Lineker quickly deleted the post and said he didn’t realize its implications, the damage was done.
“I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic,” the 64-year-old insisted.
He followed up with a full apology, calling it a mistake and saying, “That image does not reflect my views.”
BBC Legend Under Fire Again for Political Outspokenness
This isn’t the first time Lineker’s public commentary has landed him in hot water. Back in 2023, he came under fire for comparing the UK government’s immigration rhetoric to 1930s Nazi Germany—a remark that briefly got him suspended from the BBC.
That suspension only ended after several colleagues walked out in solidarity.
Despite these previous storms, he remained a core part of the BBC’s sports programming—until now.
Lineker Defends Humanitarian Advocacy, But Regrets The Post
Speaking more recently, Lineker reiterated his commitment to advocating for humanitarian causes, particularly the crisis in Gaza.
“What’s happening there is beyond depraved,” he said in an interview with The Telegraph, expressing frustration with the UK’s stance and continued arms support for Israel.
Still, he acknowledged that how you speak out matters.
“It was an error on my part,” he said of the Instagram repost, “for which I apologise unreservedly.”
Tensions Behind the Scenes at the BBC
Beyond the social media scandal, Lineker also stirred headlines with some pointed comments about BBC Sport leadership.
He appeared to throw shade at Alex Kay-Jelski, who took over as BBC director of sport in 2023.
In a dig many saw as thinly veiled, Lineker claimed that Kay-Jelski “wants to change Match of the Day,” suggesting the new boss lacks the television experience needed for the job.
“He comes from a journalism background,” Lineker said.
“But I don’t see how you move a highlights show away from being about highlights.”
One BBC insider suggested that this public criticism—combined with the Instagram controversy—could be the final straw.
What Happens Next?
At this point, Lineker is expected to walk away from the BBC entirely, including its future flagship football events.
The broadcaster hasn’t made a full official statement yet, but the writing seems to be on the wall.
For now, Lineker remains a lightning rod—dividing opinion between those who see him as a principled voice unafraid to speak out, and others who think he’s gone too far.
This story is still developing.