Gary Lineker has said it is "impossible" for the BBC to be "impartial on everything", while insisting the corporation remains the "most trusted news source". The former Match of the Day presenter, who left the broadcaster in May 2025 after 26 years, made the comments during an appearance on the Bold Politics With Zack Polanski podcast.
Speaking on the New Year's Eve edition, the 65-year-old said he still had "love" for the people he worked with, but suggested the BBC had been "too influenced by previous governments". He added that those at the top making "big decisions" needed to be looked at, saying: "I think at the top at the moment, there's probably too much influence from previous governments etc."
Lineker stepped back from his presenting role in May following a social media post about Zionism that included an illustration of a rat, a historically antisemitic image. He said at the time he had not seen the image and "would never consciously repost anything antisemitic", adding: "I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am."
Since leaving the BBC, Lineker has hosted The Rest is Football podcast for his production company Goalhanger, which recently won Podcast of the Year at the Broadcast Sports Awards. The company is also reported to have agreed a £14 million Netflix deal to cover the 2026 World Cup.
The comments come after BBC director-general Tim Davie and head of news Deborah Turness stepped down in November over impartiality concerns linked to an edited Panorama video of Donald Trump. Trump is suing the BBC for $5 billion (£3.7 billion). The issues have emerged ahead of the Government's Royal Charter review, which will consider reforming the £174.50 TV licence fee.
