Former Match of the Day host insists corporation remains the UK’s ‘most trusted news source’
Gary Lineker has admitted that the BBC cannot be “impartial on everything” but insists that it remains “the most trusted news source”. The former Match of the Day presenter, who stepped down after 26 years in May following controversy about his political comments on social media, made the comments during an appearance on Bold Politics With Zack Polanski on New Year’s Eve.
Mr Lineker told the Green Party leader that he still has “love” for the taxpayer-funded broadcaster, but believes that “at the top at the moment, there’s probably a bit too much influence from previous governments”. He added: “It’s impossible to be impartial on everything. I had lots and lots of great times at the BBC. I loved the people that work there.
“I think at the top at the moment, there’s probably too much influence from previous governments etc. I think they probably need to look at the way that people are brought in at the top of the BBC that ultimately make the big decisions, and the influence that they have on certain things. But I still say that it’s the most trusted news source.”
The BBC has come under fire for a perceived lack of impartiality this year (Image: Getty)
Since leaving the Beeb, Mr Lineker has hosted the award-winning Rest is Football podcast for his production company Goalhanger, with accolades including a recent Podcast of the Year scoop at the Broadcast Sports Awards.
Goalhanger is also reportedly set to earn £14million from a deal with Netflix to cover the 2026 World Cup next summer, according to The Times – dwarfing Mr Lineker’s pay cheque for Match of the Day.
His departure from the corporation followed outspoken criticism of Israel‘s action in Gaza, and came days after he apologised for sharing a controversial rat image that sparked cries of antisemitism.
The 65-year-old told Mr Polanski that he hopes to see “proper peace” in Gaza in 2026. “I look at my phone every day, and I cry most days when I see innocent kids being just killed, and snipers and bombs,” he added. “I mean, it’s just immeasurably wrong.”
He added that he would “never” go into politics himself, expressing “huge respect” for those who are outspoken about important issues but admitting he “totally gets” why others choose to stay quiet.
BBC director-general Tim Davie and head of news Deborah Turness stepped down in November over impartiality concerns linked to an edited clip of Donald Trump speaking at the January 6 riot in 2021.
The US president is suing the broadcaster for $5billion (£3.7billion) for splicing together parts of his speech in an episode of Panorama shortly before last year’s American election.
It comes ahead of the Government’s Royal Charter review for the BBC, which will look at reforming the licence fee and consider commercial revenue options instead of the taxpayer model.
A report setting out potential reforms says the Government will explore how changes to the £174.50 fee would “impact different household budgets” and “consult on a wide range of options” for its future.
