Gary Lineker is set to announce his departure from the BBC today, with the 64-year-old poised to walk away 12 months ahead of schedule.
The former England striker had initially planned on remaining with the broadcaster until the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
However, after finding himself the centre of controversy last week following his decision to share a pro-Palestine post on social media, it’s now been ‘mutually agreed’ that Lineker will go now.
It marks the end of an era, with Sunday’s episode of Match of the Day poised to be his last involvement with the broadcaster.
Lineker has been the Beeb’s best-paid presenter for a number of years, ahead of the likes of Zoe Ball, Greg James, Stephen Nolan and Fiona Bruce.
With the veteran set to announce his departure from the BBC on Monday, he’ll be walking away from a year’s salary.
That means the former striker is giving up a fee in the region of £1.3million.
Lineker has become an increasingly controversial figure over the years, with last week’s scandal not the only time he’s triggered a storm.
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Back in 2023, he came close to leaving the BBC after comparing the Conservative Government’s approach to immigration to ’30s Germany’.
Lineker was stood down from Match of the Day presenting duties immediately but staff within the broadcaster backed him, leading to the presenter to be reinstated.
It was confirmed back in November that the ex-England international was leaving the popular football show.
Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan have since been confirmed as his replacements.
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Back in 2023, he came close to leaving the BBC after comparing the Conservative Government’s approach to immigration to ’30s Germany’.
Lineker was stood down from Match of the Day presenting duties immediately but staff within the broadcaster backed him, leading to the presenter to be reinstated.
It was confirmed back in November that the ex-England international was leaving the popular football show.
Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan have since been confirmed as his replacements.
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“I haven’t seen them yet to speak to them, but I will do – they’ll be fine and they’ll do a great job. I’ve known them all for years, they’re top presenters.
“I’ll be watching, but probably on iPlayer… I don’t think I’ll be watching on Saturday. Maybe the odd time, if I’m in.”
Lineker also suggested that he wouldn’t be presenting football for any of the BBC’s rivals.
And that’s because he’s keen to focus on his lucrative podcast business instead.
“I don’t think you’ll see me doing much football, apart from the podcast,” he added.
“I’ll do the odd thing, but I don’t think you’ll see me appearing regularly on another channel.”