Football
Gary Lineker reveals truth about Match of the Day departure in revealing interview
Gary Lineker has hinted that the BBC may have been keen for him to step down from Match of the Day as he approaches the end of his 25-year run as host.
The former England striker, who began presenting the iconic football highlights show in 1999, previously confirmed that this season would be his last in the role.
While Lineker will still appear on BBC screens for marquee events like the 2025/26 FA Cup and the 2026 World Cup, Match of the Day will undergo a major presenting shake-up next season.

Lineker spoke candidly in a recent interview with the BBC’s Amol Rajan, reflecting on the circumstances surrounding his departure. He shared that during contract discussions last season, it became clear to him that the network might prefer a fresh start.
He remarked that there was a “sense” from the BBC that his time on the program should end, noting they seemed to prefer bringing in new faces.
The new presenting team for Match of the Day will include Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan. All three are established and respected figures in sports broadcasting.
Cates has been a familiar voice and face across Sky Sports and BBC Radio 5 Live, Chapman has been a staple of Match of the Day 2 since 2013, and Logan is known for her coverage of major sporting events, including the Women’s European Championships and the Olympics.
Lineker also admitted he originally hoped to sign one final contract to continue, but with a new broadcasting rights cycle beginning, the BBC likely saw an opportunity for change.
While he won’t be hosting Match of the Day anymore, he said the compromise—focusing on the FA Cup and World Cup—fits him perfectly.

Despite earning a reported annual salary of £1.35 million, Lineker’s relationship with the BBC has had its share of challenges. A notable controversy erupted in March 2023 when he was briefly taken off air following a tweet in which he criticized the UK government’s immigration policy.
His post compared the policy language to rhetoric used in Nazi Germany, leading to both widespread backlash and support. That incident triggered a rare moment in British broadcasting when Match of the Day aired without any presenters or pundits, as colleagues walked out in solidarity. Lineker returned to the show shortly afterward.
Reflecting on the controversy, Lineker said he stands by what he wrote and doesn’t regret posting it. He acknowledged, however, that he wouldn’t repeat it, not because he thought he was wrong, but due to the fallout that affected both him and the BBC.
He emphasized his continued love for the broadcaster and wished to avoid causing further disruption.
While the era of Gary Lineker on Match of the Day is ending, his presence on major BBC football coverage remains. The changes coming in the 2025/26 season mark a new chapter for the program, but Lineker’s legacy as one of the most recognizable figures in British sports media will undoubtedly endure.
Football
FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has taken action against the Israel Football Association (IFA) after finding breaches of its rules relating to offensive conduct, fair play, and incidents involving discrimination and racist behavior.
As part of the ruling, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000 (around €165,000), with conditions attached. The federation is required to roll out preventive measures, including displaying a clear anti-discrimination message at its next three home matches in FIFA competitions. The message, which promotes unity and rejects discrimination, must appear alongside the federation’s emblem, with its design, size, and placement submitted to FIFA for approval at least 15 days before each fixture.
Beyond matchday requirements, the IFA must also take longer-term action. Within 60 days, it is expected to allocate one-third of the fine toward a detailed anti-discrimination initiative. This program is set to include structural improvements, defined protocols, monitoring systems, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official platforms throughout an entire season, all subject to FIFA’s approval. The remaining portion of the fine must be settled within 30 days. FIFA has also issued a formal warning regarding future conduct, with the option for the IFA to appeal the decision.
In relation to a separate complaint raised by the Palestinian Football Association concerning teams based in disputed territories, FIFA chose not to impose any measures. The governing body pointed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal status of the West Bank under international law, but emphasized its willingness to encourage dialogue and mediation between both sides.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated the organization’s stance on the role of football during periods of political tension, stressing that while the sport cannot solve global conflicts, it can still play a part in bringing people together and fostering understanding through competitions like the World Cup.
Football
New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)
The Minas Gerais state championship final between Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro ended in chaos on Sunday, with a massive on-field brawl. Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory, but the match will be remembered for the violent fallout.
Reports from Brazilian media indicate that the referee issued an additional 23 red cards following the melee.
The incident that sparked the conflict occurred in the 97th minute inside Atletico’s penalty area after a collision between Christian of Cruzeiro and home goalkeeper Everson. Everson reacted aggressively, first pushing Christian and then pinning him to the ground with both knees.
Close-range footage of the altercation later surfaced online, showing the intensity of the clash and adding fuel to an already controversial derby.
This extraordinary sequence will likely result in disciplinary action from the league and raises questions about player conduct in high-stakes matches.
Football
Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job
Former Brighton & Hove Albion FC boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly “keen” on becoming the next manager of Manchester United FC.
The 46-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Olympique de Marseille by mutual agreement last month. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FC have been linked with a summer move for the Italian as they search for a permanent head coach.
According to reports from The Telegraph, De Zerbi would favour the Old Trafford role if given the choice.
His potential appointment could be a setback for interim United boss Michael Carrick, who has largely impressed since taking charge in January.
Carrick suffered his first defeat on Wednesday as United lost to Newcastle United FC, with goals from Anthony Gordon and William Osula sealing the result.
Despite that setback, several United players are believed to support Carrick being given the role permanently. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are reportedly impressed by his tactical ideas and deep understanding of the game.
United’s hierarchy have yet to decide whether to stick with the former England international or appoint a new manager. Other names linked with the role include Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martínez.
De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a potential candidate at Tottenham. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.
The club dismissed former head coach Thomas Frank last month and appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager.
Tudor has yet to register a win, but after a recent defeat to Crystal Palace FC he insisted the team is still moving in the right direction.
“Unfortunately this is the moment we pay for everything. One red card changes everything,” Tudor said.
“Maybe it will sound strange, but I believe more after this game than before. I saw something. I need to choose the right players because the boat is going in the direction that I want it to go.
“When the injured players return, I’m sure we will have a good team and the victories will come. It’s not easy to accept where we are now, but it is how it is.”
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