• Gary Lineker will leave the BBC following a controversial social media post.
• Lineker apologized for sharing content linked to antisemitism, leading to his early exit.
• He had been set to work on the FA Cup and World Cup coverage until 2026.
• The BBC director general confirmed the decision, emphasizing Lineker's acknowledgment of his mistake.
• Lineker expressed regret and described his time at the BBC as a "huge privilege."

Gary Lineker, the face of British soccer broadcasting, is leaving the BBC after over two decades of service, following a social media controversy involving a post about Zionism that included an illustration of a rat—a symbol historically associated with antisemitism. The BBC announced this decision on Monday, indicating that Lineker's parting would come sooner than initially planned, with his final episode of Match of the Day set for this weekend, according to BBC and Channel News Asia.

Initially scheduled to continue presenting the FA Cup and World Cup coverage for the BBC, Lineker's early departure stems from significant backlash following his social media posts. He apologized for the content, affirming he "would never consciously repost anything antisemitic," and acknowledged the distress his actions caused. BBC director general Tim Davie officially confirmed that following Lineker's acknowledgment of the mistake, an agreement to withdraw from presenting duties was reached, as reported by Reuters and South China Morning Post.

Lineker’s track record at the BBC includes two decades of presenting "Match of the Day," making him the broadcaster's highest-paid star. His past social media engagements have drawn scrutiny, particularly his remarks on the UK government's immigration policies and Brexit, leading to a temporary suspension in 2023. In light of recent events, many believe that this latest incident prompted the BBC to reassess his position, highlighting the challenges of maintaining editorial impartiality while hosting high-profile shows, according to BBC and Reuters.

In response to the controversy, Lineker expressed deep regret, stating, "Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action," and reiterated his lifelong commitment to fighting against racism in all forms. Describing his time at the BBC as a "pleasure and a huge privilege," he stated he would never have knowingly shared anything harmful, as reported by Channel News Asia and South China Morning Post.

The departure of Lineker signals a significant change in the landscape of sports broadcasting in the UK. With his exit, the BBC is left to navigate the complex balance between presenter freedom and maintaining its impartial image, further complicating matters following high-profile incidents in recent years. The impact of this decision may resonate throughout the organization and the broader media landscape, according to BBC and South China Morning Post.