Broadcaster Gary Lineker entertains discussions about a new program on a competing network, following his departure from the BBC.
Former England Striker Gary Lineker to Potentially Cover Club World Cup After Parting Ways with BBC
Gary Lineker, the ex-England international, is expected to return to football presenting as early as this summer, following his departure from the BBC. The broadcaster will host the final installment of Match of the Day on Sunday, after which he will no longer cover the 2025/26 FA Cup and 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Lineker's exit from the BBC was a mutual agreement, prompted by his apology over a controversial social media post that sparked accusations of anti-semitism. The post compared supporters of Israel to rats, reminiscent of the antisemitism displayed during the Nazi era. Although the post was promptly deleted, it gained wide public attention on social media.
As Lineker prepares to leave BBC after 26 years, there are ongoing discussions about his company, Goalhanger Productions, creating shows for DAZN. If these talks progress, Lineker could take up a role in covering the Club World Cup this summer, should they gain the tournament's global rights.
Although no production plans for the World Cup coverage have been finalized, Lineker's Goalhanger Productions reportedly aims to replicate their approach during the 2024 Euros, with The Rest is Football airing more frequently throughout the tournament.
Since 1999, Lineker has been the face of Match of the Day. His roles will now be taken over by Kelly Cates, Gabby Logan, and Mark Chapman. Should Lineker join forces with DAZN for the Club World Cup, he would present coverage for the revamped tournament, which will now take place every four years, featuring 32 teams from world football.
The Club World Cup will see champions League finalists Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan compete, along with Manchester City, Chelsea, Flamengo, Esperance de Tunis, and others. Club Leon and Pachuca were initially set to participate, but they have been disqualified due to failing to meet tournament regulations regarding multi-club ownership. Replacements for these teams will be determined via a play-off match between Los Angeles FC and Club America, scheduled to take place on May 31 at the BMO Field stadium in Toronto, Canada.
- Gary Lineker, the former England striker, might cover the Club World Cup this summer, with his production company, Goalhanger Productions, in discussions to secure global rights for the tournament with DAZN.
- Regardless of his Club World Cup plans, Lineker's departure from BBC after 26 years has resulted in Kelly Cates, Gabby Logan, and Mark Chapman taking over his roles on Match of the Day.
- As the Club World Cup shifts to take place every four years, featuring 32 teams from world football, Lineker could potentially present coverage for this revamped tournament, which will include Premier League teams like Manchester City and Chelsea, along with Club World Cup regulars like Flamengo and Esperance de Tunis.
- The Premier League and the European leagues will continue to dominate Lineker's coverage, as he had previously hosted shows for the Champions League, highlighting top-tier football action.
- Lineker's exit from the BBC and potential future sports roles come after a controversial social media post, which led to accusations of anti-semitism; however, this incident does not seem to have hindered Lineker's ongoing career in sports broadcasting.
