Reader TTS

Former BBC star Gary Lineker strikes deal with new broadcasterEx-BBC star Gary Lineker has struck a new deal with broadcaster DAZNCommentsSportHannah Ahmed13:34, 03 Jun 2025Ex-BBC star Gary

Lineker has struck a new deal with broadcaster DAZN, after his departure from the BBC last month (Image: Ian Walton/PA Wire.) Gary Lineker has struck a new deal with broadcaster DAZN, after

he announced his departure from the BBC.

The Rest is Football podcast hosted by Mr Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards has been taken to DAZN in a bid to continue the highly-popular show.

‌ News of the partnership follows BBC's decision to remove the podcast from its streaming site, after Mr Lineker departed from the corporation.

‌ The 64-year-old's decision to leave followed the former Match of the Day's apology for sharing an anti-Semitic post on social media.

READ MORE: Darragh MacAnthony makes stark 'disappear' threat as Birmingham City wait on Kwame Poku

It was reportedly this which brought him and the BBC to a decision which lead to him parting ways with the firm.

Article continues below Mr Lineker's last appearance on Match of the Day was aired on May 25, and the former football star will no longer be leading the BBC's coverage of the 2026 World Cup

or the FA Cup next season.

Pete Oliver, chief executive of growth markets at DAZN, 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.”

The revelation regarding Mr Lineker's new partnership comes after his final BBC interview with Mo Salah was reportedly axed at short notice, The Sun said.

‌ Reports claimed the move may have been made over concerns the two individuals may have launched a conversation over Gaza mid-show, the publication added.

A source confirmed to the newspaper that the interview was set to be aired on Match of the Day and Football Focus during the last weekend of Mr Lineker's appearances, before the BBC's

director of sport, made the decision to axe it.

READ MORE: Birmingham City season ticket latest with St Andrew's set for huge attendances

Article continues below They said: “Out of nowhere, it got cancelled. Some people think they didn’t want Gary and Mo to talk about Gaza. Salah has spoken out in his support for Palestinians

living in Gaza and Gary has made his feelings clear too.

"It felt like it may have come up naturally in conversation.

“It seems they axed it rather than risk possible editorial issues. They’d only just overcome one storm so to face another would have been a nightmare.”