Gary Lineker, the former England soccer player and now a media celebrity, will step down from his role as a presenter for the BBC after facing criticism for reposting an Instagram story about Zionism

Gary Lineker is reportedly set to leave the BBC early and not present the World Cup after his Zionism Instagram post was at the centre of an antisemitism backlash. The Match Of The Day star, 64, ‘unreservedly apologised’ last week after sharing a post containing antisemitic imagery.

Gary Lineker’s 26-year run at the BBC ends after he shared and deleted a controversial post about Zionism. The broadcaster has confirmed Lineker will not return for future coverage, including the 2026 World Cup.