Lineker was already set to leave his Match of the Day presenting role at the end of this season but had been scheduled to be part of the BBC’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup and next season’s FA Cup coverage.

Lineker apologised last week after reposting a pro-Palestine video on social media that had an illustration of a rat. The rat has been an antisemitic trope since it was used in Nazi Germany to depict jews as vermin.

Lineker said in a statement that he would “never knowingly share anything antisemitic” and had deleted the post “as soon as I became aware of the issue”

Tim Davie, BBC Director-General, said: “Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season.

“Gary has been a defining voice in football coverage for the BBC for over two decades. His passion and knowledge have shaped our sports journalism and earned him the respect of sports fans across the UK and beyond. We want to thank him for the contribution he has made.”

Gary Lineker said: “Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember – both on the pitch and in the studio.

“I care deeply about the game, and about the work I’ve done with the BBC over many years. As I’ve said, I would never consciously repost anything antisemitic – it goes against everything I stand for.

“However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action.”