The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has shown support for English soccer legend Gary Lineker over his recent exit from the BBC. Lineker had faced heavy criticism after sharing the post about Zionism that included an illustration of a rat, historically used as an anti-Semitic insult. On 20 May 2025, the Daily Mail revealed that MPs had tabled a Commons motion honoring Gary Lineker’s career after his early BBC departure and apology, with the Muslim Council of Britain voicing support. The article highlights Lineker’s legacy and the broad response to his exit. The article begins:
Gary Lineker’s contribution to Match Of The Day has been marked in a motion tabled in the House of Commons. Football fans will ‘deeply miss’ Lineker’s ‘warmth, wit and wisdom’ following his departure from the BBC show on Sunday, according to Independent MP Shockat Adam. Lineker first hosted Match Of The Day in 1999 and he will leave his presenting role at the BBC following the final episode for the 2024/25 season. The 64-year-old’s early exit from the corporation came after he made an unreserved apology for a now-deleted social media post criticised as antisemitic. It means Lineker will no longer front the corporation’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup or the FA Cup next season. Mr Adam, the MP for Leicester South, wrote in his early day motion (EDM) tabled in the Commons: ‘That this House pays tribute to the extraordinary career and enduring legacy of Gary Lineker as he retires from his role on Match Of The Day.’
Read more: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14730193/Gary-Lineker-Match-Day-allies-support.html
Key Points
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The Muslim Council of Britain supported Lineker over his BBC exit, joining others in recognizing his broadcasting contributions.
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A Commons motion was tabled to honor Lineker’s legacy following his early departure and public apology.
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Lineker’s exit followed controversy over a social media post criticized as antisemitic and his subsequent apology.
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Lineker will not present BBC’s 2026 World Cup or FA Cup coverage after retiring from Match of the Day.
How the Muslim Council of Britain Seeks to Influence UK Politics
The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) employs a multifaceted strategy to influence UK politics, leveraging public advocacy, coalition-building, and engagement with both government and civil society. By joining parliamentary events on Islamophobia and engaging in police initiatives to combat Islamophobia, the MCB positions itself as a key interlocutor on issues affecting British Muslims, seeking to shape both public discourse and policy outcomes. The organization’s influence extends to coordinated campaigns for Palestinian statehood recognition and opposition to the Prevent strategy, where it mobilizes alliances with other Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated groups to apply pressure on government decisions. High-profile gatherings—such as anniversary dinners featuring the London Mayor and Global Muslim Brotherhood leaders—further cement the MCB’s status as an umbrella organization with access to political elites and the ability to amplify its ideological narratives. The MCB’s activities, including public honors for international religious leaders and public alignment with religious scholars on cultural issues, reflect its ongoing efforts to exercise soft power and shape the national conversation. Despite persistent government reluctance to engage formally—stemming from concerns over representativeness and controversial affiliations—the MCB continues to exert influence through public statements, strategic alliances, and participation in high-level dialogues, mirroring broader advocacy trends observed in civil society organizations worldwide.
External References:
- Written evidence from The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB)
- Outgoing Muslim Council leader criticises lack of government contact
- Muslim Brotherhood tops Britain’s list of groups of concern
Disclaimer:
The Global Influence Operations Report (GIOR) employs AI throughout the posting process, including generating summaries of news items, the introduction, key points, and often the “context” section. We recommend verifying all information before use. Additionally, images are AI-generated and intended solely for illustrative purposes. While they represent the events or individuals discussed, they should not be interpreted as real-world photography.