Gary Lineker agrees deal with new broadcaster just days on from BBC exit

Wales Online

2 days ago

Gary Lineker agrees deal with new broadcaster just days on from BBC exit
Gary Lineker has found a new home for his popular football podcast following his earlier-than-expected departure from the BBC in the wake of a controversial social media post
Gary Lineker has moved on quickly following his BBC exit
(Image: Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images )
Gary Lineker has found a new home for his football podcast, having inked a deal with DAZN.
Lineker's The Rest Is Football show was abruptly dropped from the BBC Sounds service just before Lineker's early exit from the broadcaster, which was triggered by controversy over a social media post he made about Zionism.
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The video, shared on Lineker's personal Instagram account, featured a cartoon depiction of a rat, a symbol historically associated with antisemitism. Despite removing the post and issuing a public apology, plans for the former England international to lead the BBC's coverage of the 2026 World Cup and next season's FA Cup were scrapped.
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Consequently, Lineker's final appearance on the BBC was the season finale of Match of the Day, aired on May 25, which included an extended tribute to the 64-year-old and a tearful farewell from Lineker himself.
Since May 21, the BBC has not aired an episode of The Rest Is Football, which also features former England internationals Alan Shearer and Micah Richards. It has now been confirmed that Lineker has taken the show to DAZN.
The British sports streaming and entertainment platform has also landed the rights for this summer's Club World Cup. Footage from the tournament is set to be included in the video version of The Rest Is Football.
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Lineker signed off from Match of the Day for the final time last month
(Image: BBC )
DAZN's chief executive of growth markets, Pete Oliver, said: "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."
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With Lineker's tenure at the BBC having reached its end, speculation mounts over his potential appearances on other channels. However, he emphasised to FourFourTwo magazine earlier this year that the podcast will be his core pursuit.
Lineker has joined forces with DAZN
(Image: Getty )
"I don't think you'll see me doing much football, apart from the podcast," he said. "I'll do the odd thing, but I don't think you'll see me appearing regularly on another channel.
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"We've had talks with Sky at various points, but I always wanted to stick with the BBC. I could have earned a lot more, though I know I've been well-paid anyway, obviously. I've had offers to go elsewhere but I just loved being with the BBC."