BREAKING: Gary Lineker email sent to BBC staff revealed after Match of the Day host's exit

BBC director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski has hailed Gary Lineker following the announcement of his early exit from the corporation. Kay-Jelski admitted it had been a 'difficult and emotional' week since the presenter drew controversy for a social media post about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Lineker had been due to cut back on his work with the BBC anyway at the end of the season. Back in November, he confirmed he would step down from his role presenting Match of the Day, having held the job for 26 years.

The former star was due to anchor the BBC's coverage of the next season as well as World Cup 2026. But Lineker has now decided a clean break from the corporation is the best way forward following the backlash to his post.

Lineker has previously accused BBC chiefs of making it clear they did not want to hand him a new contract. That comment was seen as being aimed at Kay-Jelski, though the executive has paid tribute to the presenter.

"You will have seen in the past few minutes that will be leaving the at the end of the current football season. I appreciate the last week has been difficult and emotional for many of you," an email to BBC staff from Kay-Jelski read.

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"Thank you for all the messages and conversations, even if some of them weren’t easy to have. And I hope you understand that I had to wait until now to tell you the news. It is sad to be saying goodbye to such a brilliant broadcaster and I also want to thank Gary for his years of service.

"As ever, if you have questions, you know where I am. Let’s finish the season strongly with Gary's final show, enjoy an incredible summer of sport and look forward with excitement to what lies ahead."

The BBC's director-general Tim Davie added: "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."

Lineker confirmed the news with a video statement on . He said: " 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."

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