Football
Gary Lineker to leave BBC early and not present World Cup after antisemitism controversy
Gary Lineker will officially leave his long-standing role with the BBC following the final Match of the Day broadcast of the season.
The 64-year-old, a familiar face on British football coverage for over two decades, will not be returning to front the BBC’s coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a decision that follows backlash over a controversial social media post.
The controversy began when Lineker shared a video from the group Palestine Lobby on Instagram. The clip, titled “Zionism explained in two minutes,” included an illustration of a rat, which many viewed as containing antisemitic undertones.
Lineker promptly deleted the post and issued a public apology, stating he had not realized the imagery could be interpreted as offensive.

In his statement, Lineker expressed regret, saying he would never knowingly promote anything antisemitic, as it went against his core beliefs.
He emphasized the importance of raising awareness about humanitarian issues, such as the situation in Gaza, but acknowledged that the way such topics are addressed matters greatly. Taking full responsibility, he described the repost as a mistake and apologized unreservedly.
According to reports, the decision for Lineker to step down was mutual. A source revealed that Lineker recognized continuing in his high-profile role, particularly leading the BBC’s World Cup coverage, had become untenable.
Rather than drawing further controversy to the broadcaster, he chose to quietly step away at the conclusion of the Premier League season. His final appearance on Match of the Day is scheduled for this coming Sunday.
Lineker’s agent later clarified that while reposting the video, Lineker had not noticed a rodent emoticon added by the original author. Had he been aware, he would not have engaged with the content. The post was swiftly removed once the issue came to his attention.
This decision brings an end to a 26-year tenure on Match of the Day, during which Lineker became one of the most recognized figures in UK sports broadcasting.
The BBC had previously announced that Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan would succeed him as lead presenters.
Reflecting on his planned departure, Lineker had already hinted in December that the time felt right for a change. He noted that the next phase of Match of the Day would be different and that it was appropriate for someone new to take over.
Calling the show an iconic part of British television, he expressed pride in having been its presenter for over two decades and described the experience as both a joy and a privilege.
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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