Gary Lineker ‘in talks to launch MOTD-style show with major sport broadcaster’ after controversial BBC exit
GARY LINEKER is reportedly planning for life as a “media disruptor” after leaving the BBC.
The 64-year-old parted ways with the Beeb earlier this week following an anti-Semitism row.
Lineker announced earlier this season he would depart his role as Match of the Day host after almost three decades.
But he had been due to stay for the BBC’s coverage of the World Cup next summer.
The former England striker is now reportedly planning to expand on an existing role.
According to The Guardian, Lineker’s podcast The Rest is Football are in talks with DAZN.
The discussions are based around “launching shows featuring match clips of this summer’s Club World Cup.”
Lineker’s Goalhanger Productions company are reportedly leading the talks with DAZN, who hold global rights to the tournament.
Episodes of The Rest is Football were previously available on BBC Sounds after Goalhanger signed a one-year deal with the Beeb last November.
Following Lineker’s departure, future episodes will not be streamed on the platform.
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The outlet also claims TV insiders believe Lineker moving to a rival such as ITV or Sky Sports is “highly unlikely.”
Any success this summer with the Club World Cup could see The Rest is Football return for extended World Cup episodes in 2026.
Lineker faced a huge backlash after he re-posted a video last week which criticised Zionism and included an illustration of a rat.
The Three Lions legend agreed to leave the BBC for good and apologised unreservedly in a video message on Monday.
The 64-year-old said in the clip: “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 anti-Semitic – 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.”