Gary Lineker launches football podcast on DAZN after BBC exit
- Gary Lineker has moved his podcast to DAZN following his exit from the BBC.
- The new deal will allow the podcast to feature footage of the Club World Cup.
- This transition aims to enhance fan engagement with football content.
In the United States, Gary Lineker has transitioned his football podcast, The Rest Is Football, to DAZN following his recent departure from the BBC. This decision came after the podcast was removed from the BBC's audio streaming service last week as a consequence of Lineker's controversial exit from the organization. The podcast, featuring insights from Lineker alongside notable football figures Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, will now include footage of the Club World Cup, an event that DAZN has rights to broadcast this summer. Lineker's exit from the BBC was prompted by a social media dispute over a post he made regarding Zionism, which included imagery that has historically been associated with antisemitism. Despite issuing an unreserved apology for the incident, he concluded his tenure with the broadcaster, which included an end to his roles in covering the upcoming 2026 World Cup and FA Cup. His final appearance on Match of the Day aired on May 25, 2025. The deal with DAZN not only allows The Rest Is Football to continue but also aims to enhance the viewing experience for fans by connecting them with familiar voices in football while providing exclusive content. Pete Oliver, chief executive of growth markets at DAZN, emphasized the partnership's importance in bringing the FIFA Club World Cup closer to football enthusiasts in an engaging way. This collaboration provides an opportunity for fans to enjoy meaningful insights and entertainment related to the tournament. The transition of Lineker's podcast has sparked discussions within the football community. His presence is widely recognized among fans, and many will be keen to see how the new format will resonate with audiences. DAZN’s approach in collaborating brings a fresh element to the tournament coverage, which promises to explore the event through a uniquely British lens. As the football world braces for the changes brought about by Lineker’s departure from the BBC and into a new partnership with DAZN, fans eagerly anticipate what the future holds for The Rest Is Football.