Gary Lineker has confirmed that he is leaving the BBC in a new video message.
The former striker turned sports presenter has fronted football coverage for the broadcaster since the 1990s, including Match of the Day, and has been one of the BBC's highest-paid on-air talents.
Lineker had been at the centre of controversy over the last week, after sharing a video from a page called Palestine Lobby. The video, titled 'Zionism explained in two minutes', contained a cartoon rat emoji.
Across history, Jewish people have been compared to rats in antisemitic propaganda, including in Nazi Germany.
Lineker, who already announced his departure from Match of the Day, has now confirmed he is leaving the BBC earlier than expected, and he issued another apology over the shared post.
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In this new video, he said: "Last week I shared a post here on Instagram that contained an emoji that has awful connotations. Unfortunately, I did not see the emoji. If I had, I would never ever have shared it.
"The minute I was made aware, I quickly deleted the post and went on to make an apology. I would like once again to say I'm sorry unreservedly for the hurt and upset caused. It was a genuine mistake and oversight, but I should have been more diligent. I know that."
"I've stood up for minorities and humanitarian issues against all forms of racism all of my life, including of course antisemitism, which I absolutely abhor. There's no place for it, and never should be.
"So I think it's best for all concerned that I step down from BBC presenting duties altogether, and not do next season's FA Cup or World Cup. The final day of the Premier League season on Sunday will be my last show.
"It's been a privilege and a huge pleasure working with the BBC for 30 years, especially hosting Match of the Day, a programme that is so close to my heart, and an integral part of my life."
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"I'd like to thank all of the quite brilliant, talented and lovely people both in front of and behind the camera that I've worked alongside for three decades, you're the absolute best," he continued.
"The relationship with the BBC has been long and wonderful, but it's the right time for the organisation and myself to go our separate ways. Thank you also to all of you for your incredible support and love over so many years, it means the world to me. I'll see you all on Sunday."
The BBC's director general Tim Davie is quoted as saying: "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."
Alex Kay-Jelski, the BBC's new director sport, sent an email to BBC Sport staff acknowledging that "the last week has been difficult and emotional", and asking to "finish the season strongly with Gary's final show".
Match of the Day airs on BBC One and streams on iPlayer.
Joe Anderton is a freelance news writer at Digital Spy, having worked there since 2016. In his time, he's covered a host of live events and interviewed celebrities big and small. A big fan of TV and movies both mainstream and obscure, Joe also enjoys video games and in particular PlayStation. Joe currently does not use Twitter, but he only ever used it to tell people to watch the film Help! I'm a Fish.
