Gary Lineker agrees deal with new broadcaster after controversial BBC exit
Former Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker has agreed a deal with a new broadcaster after his controversial exit from the BBC last month.
Lineker was set to cover the 2025-26 FA Cup and 2026 World Cup for the BBC but he left early over his use of an alleged anti-Semitic rat emoji.
He shared a social media post about Zionism that included an emoji of a rat – with images of the rodent historically used as an anti-Semitic insult.
Lineker insisted he did not see the rat emoji when he shared the post and said he 'would never consciously repost anything anti-Semitic'.
The former footballer, who played for the likes of Leicester City, Everton, Barcelona and Tottenham, apologised for any offence he may've caused.
'I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am,' Lineker, who has been a vocal critic of Israel's Government, said. 'Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action.'
After leaving the BBC, Lineker has now moved his popular The Rest is Football podcast to DAZN.
Lineker is a co-founder of Goalhanger Podcasts, which produces a number of shows including The Rest is Football , which he presents himself along with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.
Across 13 shows, Goalhanger Podcasts collectively receives over 40 million downloads per month, with The Rest Is Politics also notably successful.
Gary Lineker's first venture on Match of the Day was as an analyst.
Lineker stepped up to become the main presenter in 1999, replacing Des Lynam.
Lineker has remained the host of the show ever since, with his 25-year reign making him the longest presenter in Match of the Day's history.
Lineker's time wasn't without controversy: in March 2023 he stepped back from presenting following his criticism of the UK Government's immigration policy. His colleagues walked out in solidarity.
Tony Pastor, the co-founder of Lineker's Goalhanger podcast empire, said: 'The Rest Is Football isn't just being listened to – it's being watched, shared, and talked about across Spotify, YouTube, TikTok, X, and Instagram.
'Partnering with DAZN to bring official match clips into the mix is the natural next step – adding energy, context, and taking the conversation to the next level.
'With over six million episode views and listens each month, and huge engagement across social, it's already the UK's most popular sports podcast.
'As the way fans experience football evolves, The Rest Is Football is right at the heart of it.'
DAZN has the broadcast rights for this summer's Club World Cup, with all 63 matches to be shown globally for free. More Trending
Pete Oliver, CEO of Growth Markets at DAZN, added: 'The Rest Is Football is essential viewing and listening for fans who want insight, entertainment, and personality.
'This partnership is a brilliant way to bring the Fifa Club World Cup even closer to that audience.
'It's about connecting global football with the voices fans trust and love, and showing the tournament in a fresh, exciting, and authentically British way.
'As the global broadcast partner of the Fifa Club World Cup and the only place where fans in the UK can watch every game for free, there was no better partner than Goalhanger.'
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