Gary Lineker to exit BBC early after 26 years

• Gary Lineker is leaving the BBC after 26 years, earlier than initially planned.
• His departure follows a recent apology for sharing a pro-Palestine social media post, which included an image of a rat and sparked accusations of antisemitism.
• Lineker will not present the 2026 World Cup or next season's FA Cup coverage for the BBC.
• This incident reignited tensions regarding BBC impartiality guidelines, previously strained by Lineker's comments comparing government policy to 1930s Germany.
• Lineker had recently signed a one-year contract extension but expressed belief that some BBC executives wanted him to leave.

IN FULL

BBC confirms Gary Lineker will leave earlier than planned after social media controversy