They assume it’s throughout — it’s now. Gary Lineker is predicted to go away the BBC.

The BBC’s highest-paid presenter, incomes £1.35M ($1.8M), will exit after he presents his last Match of the Day highlights present on the weekend.

Lineker’s abrupt departure follows him sharing a now-deleted Instagram video from the Palestine Foyer account that overlaid a cartoon rat emoji on high of an explainer concerning the Israel-Gaza conflict and Zionism. The rat has traditionally been used as an antisemitic trope.

Lineker apologized for the put up, however sources instructed BBC Information that his place was “untenable” following a string of controversies about his social media use, which have known as into query the BBC’s impartiality. The Instances and The Solar additionally reported that Lineker was leaving.

The BBC had beforehand agreed that Lineker would exit Match of Day, the Premier League highlights present, however proceed to current protection of the FA Cup and 2026 FIFA World Cup. This plan has now been scrapped.

He hosted the BBC’s protection of the FA Cup last on Saturday, which is about to be his last reside occasion for the company. An announcement may very well be made at present about his future.

Lineker “apologised unreservedly” for the Instagram put up that includes the rat. “On Instagram, I reposted materials which I’ve since realized contained offensive references. I very a lot remorse these references,” he stated. “I take full duty for this error. That picture doesn’t mirror my views.”

Requested concerning the matter final week, Tim Davie, the BBC director basic, was unambiguous: “The BBC’s status is held by everybody, and when somebody makes a mistake, it prices us. We completely want individuals to be exemplars of the BBC values and observe our social media coverage. Easy as that.”

Lineker has introduced Match of the Day for 25 years and has been the BBC’s highest-paid presenter for the previous seven years. He’s extremely regarded by BBC administration and well liked by audiences, however his relationship with the company has grow to be fractious over his use of social media in recent times.

Lineker has grown his enterprise pursuits outdoors of the BBC, most notably by means of Goalhanger Podcasts, which makes table-topping exhibits resembling The Relaxation Is Historical past and The Relaxation Is Leisure.