Gary Lineker pens deal with new broadcaster days after leaving BBC | Football | Sport
Gary Lineker has secured a new home for his podcast by penning a deal with DAZN. BBC Sounds stopped featuring The Rest is Football shortly before Lineker’s departure from the broadcaster, which occurred earlier than initially planned following uproar about a social media post he shared about Zionism.
The video posted to Lineker’s personal Instagram account featured a cartoon depiction of a rat, which has historically been used as an antisemitic symbol. The post was removed and Lineker issued a public apology, but plans for the former England international to front the BBC‘s coverage of the 2026 World Cup and next season’s FA Cup were scrapped regardless.
Lineker’s final BBC appearance was therefore the season-ending episode of Match of the Day, which aired on May 25 and featured a lengthy tribute to the 64-year-old, as well as a tearful sign-off from the man himself.
The BBC have not featured an episode of The Rest Is Football, which also features former England internationals Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, since May 21. And it has now been confirmed that Lineker has taken it to DAZN.
The British sports streaming and entertainment platform has also secured the rights for this summer’s Club World Cup, and footage from the tournament is set to be featured in the video version of The Rest Is Football.
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 — and 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.”
MORE TO FOLLOW
We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport/football. Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time.
We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.
