Gary Lineker expects 'difficult' and 'bonkers' Match of the Day finale as BBC exit confirmed

Gary Lineker has admitted that his final show could be a challenging one – but mainly due to the intense competition for spots at the top of the .

This revelation came prior to the confirmation that the 64-year-old will after discussions with executives last week, with the corporation following backlash on social media.

Former forward Lineker was scheduled to leave the iconic BBC programme at the end of this season after 26 years as host, but was expected to remain with the broadcaster and present coverage of next season's and the .

However, after facing criticism for sharing a contentious video on Instagram and being accused of antisemitism, which led him to apologise, he will now depart the BBC following his final Match of the Day broadcast this Sunday (May 25).

Yet, before his dramatic farewell, Lineker has candidly shared his expectations for what could be a tumultuous final broadcast, as the fight for the remaining European places among the top-flight clubs intensifies.

With Liverpool and Arsenal having already secured their places for the next season, Newcastle, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Nottingham Forest are all vying to join them in the Champions League.

"There is gonna be twists and turns," Lineker admitted while speaking on podcast, which was released on Monday morning. "I sense our last Match of the Day of the season... it will obviously be around the Champions League spots.

"I don't know whether the plan will be when we go from one game to another, and tell the story of the afternoon, which editorially is difficult, but we've done it a few times before.

"But, I don't think we've done it with five different teams, although it won't be five different matches because Forest and Chelsea play each other. So it'll be four games. It could be a bonkers night."

Only three of the five teams will have the privilege of participating in the competition next season, with just a single point separating Newcastle in third place and Forest in seventh. This tight contest is why Lineker anticipates his final show will be quite the thrill ride, reports .

Last week, he issued an apology after sharing a video on his social media account that contained an image widely recognised as offensive and associated with antisemitism. He reposted a video from the campaign group Palestine Lobby, which included an illustration of a rat. This symbol has been historically used by Nazi Germany to dehumanise the Jewish community.

His departure was confirmed on Monday. Lineker stated: "Football 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."

Meanwhile, BBC director-general Tim Davie elucidated: "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."