Gary Lineker: Match of the Day host to depart BBC subsequent week and won’t host World Cup protection

Gary Lineker is to depart the BBC after this season’s ultimate Match of the Day and can now not provide its protection of the World Cup subsequent 12 months, Sky News understands.

It comes after he “apologised unreservedly” for a social media re-post that includes a rat, pronouncing he would “never knowingly share anything antisemitic”.

Lineker’s ultimate look at the BBC can be on May 25, the overall day of the season, with affirmation anticipated on Monday.

The former England big name introduced in November he would step down from Match of the Day this 12 months, however used to be set to go back to entrance the World Cup in 2026, in addition to FA Cup protection.

Lineker, 64, mentioned he used to be unaware the publish he shared used to be antisemitic and that it went towards “everything I believe in”.

The presenter used to be quickly suspended from the BBC in March 2023 after an impartiality row over feedback he made criticising the then Conservative govt’s asylum coverage.

Lineker has hosted Match Of The Day since 1999 and has been the BBC’s highest-paid on-air ability for seven consecutive years.

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

When the trio take over as hosts, it’ll be the primary time the position has been shared via 3 other folks.

Sky News has contacted the BBC for remark.