Former BBC host Gary Lineker joins ITV for Germany vs Ivory Coast match

Gary Lineker, the former BBC host, is making a shock return to terrestrial TV on ITV's World Cup coverage.

The football world is abuzz with the news that Gary Linekerthe former Match of the Day host, will make a surprise appearance on ITV’s coverage of the World Cup match between Germany and the Ivory Coast. This marks his first appearance on terrestrial television since his departure from the BBC 13 months ago.

Lineker’s exit from the BBC was expedited following a controversy involving a social media post. The 65-year-old shared a video from the group Palestine Lobby on Instagramwhich included an illustration of a rat—a symbol historically associated with antisemitic slurs.

Despite deleting the post and issuing an apology, the incident led to his premature departure from the corporation.

Lineker’s New Ventures and Current Projects

Since leaving the BBC, Lineker has been busy with new ventures. He is currently hosting The Rest is Football on Netflixalongside former BBC colleagues Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.

The show is recorded from a studio in Times Square, New Yorkwhich is conveniently located near ITV’s stunning rooftop studio in Brooklyn.

Lineker’s appearance on ITV comes as a surprise, given that he was not initially named among the channel’s punditry team for the tournament. However, guest pundits are a common feature in World Cup coverage, and Lineker’s involvement adds an exciting twist to ITV’s broadcast.

Criticism of BBC’s World Cup Coverage

Lineker has been vocal about his criticism of the BBC’s decision to cover the World Cup from a green box in Salford rather than setting up a studio in the United States. In an interview with The Telegraphhe expressed his surprise and disappointment, stating that the World Cup is one of the biggest television events of the year.

‘I am very surprised the Beeb are not coming,’ Lineker said. ‘It doesn’t make sense to me. I understand that whatever they do they get criticised because that is the nature of the BBC. But I must say this World Cup is the biggest deal over the next five or six weeks. It will probably get the vast majority of the most-watched television programmes of the year.’

He further criticized the use of a green box, stating that it lacks the authenticity and excitement of being on location. ‘Almost certainly therefore it justifies a presence. And they [the BBC] will cover it fine… but I have done many shows when we have not been able to go to tournaments and you are in a green box. Even if it looks like you are not at home – you are. And it’s soulless.’

Lineker’s Role on ITV

As of now, it is unclear how extensively Lineker will be involved in ITV’s coverage of the Germany vs Ivory Coast match, which begins at 8pm UK time tonight. Reports suggest that he may make a cameo appearance or potentially serve as a pundit for the entire broadcast.

Lineker’s record of 10 World Cup goals was recently equalled by Harry Kane during England’s victory over Croatia. Despite his impressive career, Lineker was not initially included in ITV’s punditry team. However, his new role on ITV’s gameshow The Boxset to air in September, indicates his continued relevance in the world of sports broadcasting.

The Germany vs Ivory Coast match is scheduled to kick off at 9pm local time in Torontowith ITV’s coverage beginning at 8pm UK time. Football fans can look forward to Lineker’s insightful commentary and analysis as he makes his return to terrestrial TV.