BBC make Gary Lineker pay off decision with lucrative contract ending early
The BBC have made a call on Gary Lineker's pay off after the two parties mutually agreed to part ways this month.
The BBC won't hand Gary Lineker a financial settlement after mutually agreeing to part ways after his final Match of the Day on Sunday, according to reports. Lineker is confirmed to be leaving the BBC after 26 years later this month in the wake of his latest social media controversy.
Lineker has been the subject of intense scrutiny after sharing a pro-Palestine video, which criticised Zionism and featured an image of a rat, on his Instagram story. The 64-year-old later removed the post and issued an apology, insisting he was unaware of how rats are used to represent Jews in anti-semitic propaganda.
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However, he has tested BBC bosses' patience one too many times, resulting in the organisation ripping up his contract.
Lineker was scheduled to lead the Beeb's coverage of the FA Cup next season before the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico in the summer.
But his final appearance will now be on Sunday when he hosts the highlights from the final day of the Premier League season on Match of the Day.
According to The Times, Lineker won't receive a pay off from the BBC, and any claims that a parting of ways was his decision aren't true.
Lineker has been the BBC's highest-paid presenter for seven consecutive years.
He pocketed around £1.35million in 2023/24, 42 per cent more than Zoe Ball, the organisation's next biggest earner.
The report adds that Lineker's decision to dig out BBC bosses, including director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski, in an interview last week played no part in the decision.
Director general Tim Davie and Kay-Jelski are said to have informed the former England striker that his position had become untenable.
In a statement on Monday, Davie said: "Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made.
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"Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season. Gary has been a defining voice in football coverage for the BBC for over two decades."
Lineker shared: "I care deeply about the game, and about the work I've done with the BBC over many years.
"As I've said, I would never consciously repost anything antisemitic – it goes against everything I stand for.
"However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action."
