Gary Lineker is set to step down as the presenter of Match of the Day at the end of the season, according to recent reports. He is expected to cover the next FIFA World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico but will step back from the broadcaster’s football show at the end of the 2024-25 season. Lineker, 63, has had a long and distinguished career with the BBC , having hosted Match of the Day since 1999.
Over the years, he has become synonymous with the programme, which has made him one of the most recognised faces in British sports broadcasting. In addition to Match of the Day, Lineker has also presented a variety of other sports shows for the BBC , including Football Focus, The FA Cup Highlights, and Sport Relief charity events. His time at the BBC has been marked by controversy, including a retweet on social media calling for Israel to be banned from international sporting events, as well as his suspension after criticising the government's controversial asylum policy.
The post on X, formerly Twitter, by the Palestinian Campaign For The Academic And Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI), which he reportedly misread, appealed to the International Olympic Committee, Fifa and all regional and international sports governing bodies to take “an urgent stance”. Speaking to The Guardian about the backlash since the tweet, he confirmed he had “received threats” and said: “It’s not about me. I am not the victim here.
” The former England footballer spoke about the Israel -Ha.
