Gary Lineker, the iconic host of the BBC’s “Match of the Day,” will conclude his tenure with the broadcaster next week. His last home match is planned for May 25, which just so happens to be the last day of the Premier League season. This announcement follows a social media firestorm earlier this June when, in short, it is prompting a nationwide conversation over content and responsibility in broadcasting and beyond.
Lineker, 64, has been the face of BBC sports presentation. He launched his hosting of “Match of the Day” in 1999 and has continued to be a fixture ever since. If approved, he will become the BBC’s highest-paid on-air talent, ever, for the seventh year in a row. His departure closes a profound chapter in the history of sports journalism. From 1999 to 2022, he was a richly entertaining and savagely scathing voice of football coverage on the BBC.
The storm began when the former England footballer tweeted about a UK government policy that critics feared would be antisemitic. He explained that he did not realize what his post meant and noted that it was opposite to what he believed. In a statement, he said, “As I’ve said, I would never consciously repost anything antisemitic – it goes against everything I stand for.” Lineker issued an apology, acknowledging the upset he caused and stating, “Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action.”
BBC director general Tim Davie said at the time that Lineker would no longer present after this season. He went on to say, “Gary has accepted responsibility for his error in judgment. Therefore, as a matter of professional courtesy, we have mutually decided that he will recede from further presenting beyond this season. In the wake of Lineker’s departure, Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates, and Gabby Logan will take over hosting duties from Lineker next season on “Match of the Day.” This will be the first year that three presenters will host the event together.
Besides his daily duties on “Match of the Day,” Lineker was supposed to lead the BBC’s coverage for next year’s World Cup. He was supposed to front the coverage of live FA Cup games. He reflected on his passion for football, stating, “Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember – both on the pitch and in the studio.”
Lineker’s departure has ignited conversations around media accountability, the duty of care in public personas, and the role of government in press freedoms. His extensive knowledge of sports and ability to connect with fans have earned him wide respect across the UK and beyond. As he prepares to pass the BBC baton, he takes stock of an extraordinary career. For most, however, his legacy will be of an indefatigable and passionate advocate for the game.
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