Daily Mail: Gary Lineker signs new media deal just weeks after BBC exit

Story from Daily Mail:

Gary Lineker's final interview as a BBC broadcaster was reportedly cancelled after concerns from the organisation feared that the pundit would discuss the war in Gaza with Mohamed Salah.

The long-serving Match of the Day host presented his final programme for the channel on the last day of the 2024-25 season.

Lineker had been set to continue working with the BBC for next year's 2026 World Cup as the front man of the channel's coverage in North America, as well as leading FA Cup coverage.

But the England legend announced that he would step back from the broadcaster for good after becoming embroiled in controversy for sharing an Instagram story about Zionism featuring a rate - an antisemitic trope used by the Nazis to characterise Jewish people as vermin.

Announcing his exit in a BBC statement, the former England footballer said that he '(recognised) the error and upset that (he) caused.

'Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action,' he added, stating that he 'would never consciously repost anything antisemitic'.

Lineker's final Match of the Day was replete with tributes to his long career in the hot seat, but as per the Sun, one final job for the broadcaster was vetoed.

Lineker was believed to be primed for a sit-down with Salah, but the interview was reportedly cancelled without warning amid fears that he would discuss the ongoing conflict in the Middle East with the Premier League title-winner.

A source shared that the interview as set to be shared across his final weekend, but the threat that Gaza might have 'come up naturally in conversation' saw it cancelled 'out of nowhere'.

The BBC were contacted for comment by Mail Sport and shared the following statement: 'The interview was cancelled because it planned to air after Gary's last Match of the Day.

'It would be wrong to suggest anything else.'

After Lineker shared his statement stepping back from the broadcaster, the BBC's director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski sent an email to staff minutes afterwards highlighting how 'difficult and emotional' the roiling controversy had been for many of his employees.

He added: 'It is sad to be saying goodbye to such a brilliant broadcaster and I also want to thank Gary for his years of service'.

BBC director general Tim Davie also agreed was is the right decision, after having reportedly lost patience with the BBC's top-paid presenter.

'Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season', he said.

He continued: 'Gary has been a defining voice in football coverage for the BBC for over two decades. His passion and knowledge have shaped our sports journalism and earned him the respect of sports fans across the UK and beyond.