In a candid new interview with Amol Rajan, football legend and broadcaster Gary Lineker has revealed that he believes the BBC subtly nudged him toward the exit from Match of the Day, despite his successful and long-standing tenure.
“Perhaps They Wanted Me to Leave”
When asked why he would step away from such a high-profile role, Lineker didn’t mince words: “Well, perhaps they want me to leave. There was the sense of that.” While the BBC declined to comment on this suggestion, their statement during Lineker’s November 2023 exit did acknowledge that the show was “continually evolving for changing viewing habits.”
Despite stepping away from Match of the Day, Lineker will continue to present major events like the FA Cup and World Cup for the broadcaster. A new trio—Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan—has since taken over presenting duties.
Contract Talks and Changing Rights Cycles
Lineker disclosed that while he initially wanted “one more contract,” negotiations were impacted by the new broadcasting rights period. “I think it was their preference that I didn’t do Match of the Day for one more year, so they could bring in new people,” he said.
On Impartiality and His Social Media Comments
Lineker, who has often used Twitter to speak on humanitarian issues, also touched on the BBC’s evolving impartiality rules. “The goalposts were massively moved… It was never an issue until, suddenly, this point,” he said, referencing the BBC’s 2023 update on social media use for high-profile presenters.
“I’ve always been strong on humanitarian issues and always will be. That’s me,” he added. Asked whether his tweets fueled criticism of the BBC, he acknowledged: “Yes, of course. But does it make it wrong? I don’t think so.”
Support for Gaza Documentary
Lineker also addressed his support for the reinstatement of the BBC documentary Gaza: How to Survive a War Zone, which was removed from iPlayer in February. The decision followed revelations that the 13-year-old narrator was the son of a Hamas official. Lineker, along with over 500 public figures, signed an open letter demanding its return.
“We’re adults. We’re allowed to see things like that. It’s incredibly moving,” Lineker said. He criticized what he called BBC’s capitulation to external lobbying, arguing that the script wasn’t written by the child but by the producers.
On Gambling in Sport
In the wide-ranging interview, Lineker also addressed his concerns over gambling sponsorship in football. “I know people [for whom] it becomes an addiction, it can completely destroy their lives,” he warned. While discussions have begun about removing gambling logos from shirts, Lineker believes more action is needed: “Football needs a long, hard look at itself.”
What’s Next for Lineker?
At 64, Lineker says his future lies not in television but in podcasting. As co-founder of Goalhanger Podcasts—home to hits like The Rest is History—he’s excited about where the medium is heading: “I think I’ll probably focus more on the podcast world, because it’s such a fun business.”
Conclusion
Gary Lineker’s departure from Match of the Day may mark the end of a chapter, but it’s far from a farewell. His reflections reveal a veteran broadcaster still passionate about sport, free speech, and responsibility in media. Whether he’s behind a microphone or tweeting about global issues, Lineker continues to be one of the most influential voices in British media.
Tags: Gary Lineker, Match of the Day, BBC, Amol Rajan, Gaza documentary, gambling in sport, podcasting, British media, football broadcasting
