The famous BBC presenter Gary Lineker will leave the British public broadcaster a year before the end of his contract, announced the broadcasting group on Monday (19); A few days ago, the former soccer player caused controversy by sharing an anti-Semitic message.
Very popular figure in England, Lineker, 64, has featured “Match of the Day” since 1999, an a must -see program for any English football fan.
Initially, former Barcelona and Tottenham striker of England and striker, among others, should leave the show at the end of this season, although he should continue in the public network commenting on the next England Cup and the 2026 World Cup.
The highest paid BBC presenter, with an annual salary estimated at almost $ 1.9 million ($ 10.8 million), will have to leave his position earlier after a conflict triggered by his comments.
Last week, Lineker shared a pro-passion video in which he criticized Zionism (a political movement that defends a state for the Jews in Palestine) with a rat emoji, a symbol used by Nazi Germany to describe the Jews.
Lineker admitted the “error” of sharing the image, claiming to be unaware of his symbolism, and apologized “without reservation”.
In the statement issued on Monday by the BBC, Lineker reiterated his defense: “I would never share something anti-Semitic; this goes against everything I argue. I recognize the error and the problems caused and reiterate my apologies. Running today seems to me the most responsible attitude.”
In March 2023, Lineker was suspended from the air after criticizing a conservative government bill aimed at preventing irregular immigrants from seeking asylum in the United Kingdom.
