What time is Gary Lineker's final Match of the Day and his post leading to BBC exit

Gary Lineker will present Match of the Day for one final time on Sunday night. The ex-Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur ace first joined the BBC's flagship football programme in 1999, taking over from the iconic Des Lynam.

Having become a staple of the Premier League highlights show, Lineker will bid farewell after Sunday's episode, which covers the climax of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.

Lineker had been slated to lead the BBC's FA Cup broadcasts next term and anchor the 2026 World Cup coverage when it rolls around. Last year, BBC Sport director Alex Kay-Jelski stated: "Gary is a world-class presenter, and we're delighted that he'll lead our coverage of the next World Cup and continue to lead our live coverage of the FA Cup. After 25 seasons Gary is stepping down from MOTD.

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"We want to thank him for everything he has done for the show, which continues to attract millions of viewers each week. He'll be hugely missed on the show but we're so happy he is staying with the BBC to present live football."

However, those plans changed last Monday when Lineker revealed that he will cut all ties with the BBC following his recent online controversy. Lineker faced criticism for sharing a social media post about Zionism that included an illustration of a rat – an image historically viewed as an anti-Semitic insult, reports .

Consequently, Lineker announced that he will no longer participate in the BBC's FA Cup or World Cup coverage, and that Sunday's show will be his last. For the 2025/26 season, he will be succeeded by the highly-regarded trio of Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan, while decisions regarding who will take the lead in presenting the BBC's FA Cup and World Cup coverage are still pending.

With an undoubtedly emotional episode of Match of the Day looming for Lineker, we provides details on the start time of the show, the channel it will air on, the teams that will be featured, and what the pundit has said this week about his departure from the BBC...

What time is Match of the Day on Sunday?

Although Match of the Day typically occupies a Saturday evening slot on BBC One, this weekend's episode will air at 10.30pm on Sunday.

This is due to all matches this weekend being scheduled for Sunday, marking the end of the 2024/25 Premier League season. All 20 clubs in England's top division will kick off simultaneously at 4pm, as is customary.

The programme is set to wrap up at 12.10am, with Lineker bidding his final farewell to the audience. His close mates Alan Shearer and Micah Richards will join him in the studio for the last time.

Which matches will be featured on Match of the Day?

With all Premier League teams playing from 4pm on Sunday, supporters across the UK can look forward to an extensive highlights show. Bournemouth take on a relegated Leicester City at the Vitality Stadium, while Fulham, sitting comfortably mid-table, challenge Pep Guardiola's Manchester City at Craven Cottage.

Elsewhere, Wolves welcome Brentford, Nottingham Forest and Chelsea vie for a Champions League spot, a beleaguered Manchester United end a disappointing season by hosting Aston Villa at Old Trafford, and bottom-of-the-league Southampton face Arsenal in their final Premier League match for at least another season.

Newcastle invite Everton to St. James' Park, Premier League champions Liverpool receive a guard of honour from Crystal Palace at Anfield, a relegated Ipswich Town go up against West Ham United, and Tottenham, fresh from their midweek Europa League final victory in Bilbao, return to home turf to play Brighton.

With the relegation spots and title already settled, the main attention will be on the remaining positions available for Champions League and other European qualification.

What has Gary Lineker said about his departure from the BBC?

Gary Lineker addressed his recent social media controversy on Monday, stating: "Hi everyone, some personal news. 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 the 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, and against all forms of racism all of my life, including, of course, anti-semitism - which I absolutely abhor. There's no place for it and never should be.

"So I think it's best for all concern 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."

Reflecting on his career, Lineker said: "It's been a pleasure and a huge privilege 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. I would like to thank all of the quite brilliant, talented and lovely people both in front and behind the camera, that I have worked alongside for three decades. You're the absolute best.

"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."