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Gary Lineker Eyes Club World Cup Highlights for Podcast After BBC Departure
Veteran broadcaster Gary Lineker is reportedly negotiating to showcase television highlights of the Club World Cup on his podcast this summer. This move coincides with his expected departure from the BBC following his final appearance on this Sunday’s “Match of the Day.” The potential acquisition of Club World Cup footage could mark a significant shift in sports broadcasting, diverging from traditional media outlets and embracing digital platforms like podcasts.
Lineker’s Exit From BBC
Lineker had initially planned to conclude his “Match of the Day” tenure at the end of the current season, continuing with the BBC to host FA Cup coverage next season and lead their coverage of the 2026 World Cup. However, his early departure from the corporation was triggered by a social media dispute. A post he shared regarding Zionism included a symbol, historically used as an antisemitic insult, leading to considerable controversy.
Future of “The Rest Is Football” Podcast
Subsequently, new episodes of Lineker’s podcast, “The Rest is Football,” will no longer be accessible on the BBC’s audio streaming service. While the podcast will still be available on YouTube, Lineker’s Goalhanger Productions is in discussions with DAZN about featuring match footage of this summer’s Club World Cup on the podcast.
- DAZN possesses the global rights for the tournament, which commences in the USA on June 14.
- They are positioned to offer Lineker a deal, potentially transforming him into a media disruptor.
- Traditionally, footage from major football tournaments is reserved for mainstream broadcasters.
Potential Broadcasters and Future Options
With the conclusion of his BBC career, Gary Lineker might be pursued by rival broadcasters. ITV and Sky Sports have emerged as possible destinations for the 64-year-old. However, industry sources suggest that ITV might not recruit him for their World Cup coverage, given their investment in Mark Pougatch. Acquiring Lineker could upset established dynamics.
Speculation Regarding Fox in the US
Speculation has also linked the former striker with a move to Fox in the US. However, a former colleague suggests that “Gary likes being with one of the main players,” hinting at a preference for established broadcasting entities.
The Success of “The Rest Is Football”
“The Rest is Football” podcast debuted in August 2023, featuring Lineker alongside his “Match of the Day” colleagues Alan Shearer and Micah Richards. The trio frequently hosts other former footballers, with episodes consistently drawing hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube alone.
- The podcast has gained considerable traction since its launch.
- Lineker’s transition allows him to dedicate more time to this venture.
In recent years, Lineker has divided his time between the podcast and his BBC responsibilities. He is now free to concentrate on the podcast, having stated in a video message: “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.”