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Mutiny at the BBC: Lineker row causes mounting crisis

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Former player and TV presenter Gary Lineker is pictured in the stand with his son. Leicester City v Chelsea, March 11, 2023. REUTERS/Toby Melvill

Britain’s BBC faced a mounting crisis as a row over football presenter Gary Lineker’s criticism of government migration policy led to a presenter mutiny, drew a comment from the prime minister and left the broadcaster’s boss defending his position.

The BBC was forced to axe much of its sports coverage on Saturday as presenters refused to work in a show of solidarity with Lineker, after the BBC sought to defend its impartiality by taking him off the air due to his comments on social media.

Lineker, a former England soccer captain, the BBC’s highest-paid presenter and the anchor of the football highlights programme “Match of the Day”, was suspended from his role following his criticism of Britain’s migration policy.

Critics of Lineker’s suspension say the BBC bowed to government pressure, leading to a furious debate about the impartiality of the national broadcaster.

BBC Director General Tim Davie told the BBC on Saturday he had no intention of resigning over the matter. “We in the BBC, and myself, are absolutely driven by a passion for impartiality, not left, right or pandering to a particular party,” he said.

Davie said he wanted Lineker back on the air and hoped to find a balance which enabled some presenters to express opinions while at the same time maintaining the BBC’s neutrality.

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Prime Minister Rishi Sunak issued a statement on Saturday defending the migration policy, which bars the entry of asylum seekers arriving in small boats across the English Channel, saying he hoped Lineker and the BBC could resolve their differences in a timely manner.

“It is rightly a matter for them, not the government,” Sunak said.

The Lineker row severely disrupted the BBC’s sports programming on Saturday as multiple presenters walked out, prompting it to issue an apology.

Saturday’s edition of “Match of the Day”, presented by Lineker for more than 20 years, aired at the usual time despite his absence, but was slashed to just 20 minutes and aired as a show of highlights without commentary.

NEUTRALITY UNDER SCRUTINY

The BBC is committed to being politically impartial, but has faced criticism from the Conservative and Labour parties about how neutral it actually is, particularly in the era of social media when high-profile presenters can easily make their personal positions known.

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The opposition Labour Party and media commentators accuse the BBC of silencing Lineker, after Sunak’s spokeswoman called Lineker’s comments “unacceptable” and interior minister Suella Braverman said they were “offensive”.

“The BBC is not acting impartially by caving in to Tory MPs who are complaining about Gary Lineker,” Labour leader Keir Starmer told reporters at a conference in Wales on Saturday.

Lineker declined to comment to media as he left his London home on Saturday and did not reply to questions from reporters on arrival at the King Power Stadium in Leicester where he went to watch one of his former clubs play.

The furore followed Sunak’s announcement of the new law earlier in the week. Lineker, 62, took to Twitter to describe the legislation as a “cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s.”

Seeking to resolve the dispute, the BBC said there needed to be an agreed position on Lineker’s use of social media before he can return to presenting. But critics of Lineker’s suspension say he is entitled to his personal opinions because he is not a news presenter.

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Greg Dyke, who was director-general of the BBC between 2000 and 2004, told BBC radio earlier on Saturday that the BBC had made a mistake.

“The perception out there is going to be that Gary Lineker, a much-loved television presenter, was taken off air after government pressure on a particular issue,” Dyke said.

That could turn viewers away from the 100-year-old BBC, which is funded by a 159 pound ($192) annual “licence fee” tax on all television-watching households.

While the broadcaster remains a central presence in British cultural life, it is battling to stay relevant with younger audiences and faces threats to its funding as some Conservative lawmakers want to scrap the licence fee.

Questions about BBC Chair Richard Sharp pose a further challenge for the broadcaster.

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Sharp is under pressure for failing to declare his involvement in facilitating a loan for former Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson shortly before he was appointed to the role. Sharp’s appointment, made on the recommendation of the government, is being reviewed by Britain’s public appointments watchdog.

-Reuters

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Kunle Solaja is the author of landmark books on sports and journalism as well as being a multiple award-winning journalist and editor of long standing. He is easily Nigeria’s foremost soccer diarist and Africa's most capped FIFA World Cup journalist, having attended all FIFA World Cup finals from Italia ’90 to Qatar 2022. He was honoured at the Qatar 2022 World Cup by FIFA and AIPS.

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Journalism under siege as sports reporter is jailed in Algeria for reporting on football

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In a disturbing development highlighting the dangers faced by journalists in North Africa, French sports reporter Christophe Gleizes has been sentenced to seven years in prison by an Algerian court for simply doing his job.

Gleizes, a contributor to acclaimed French publications So Foot and Society, was convicted on Sunday, June 29, by the Tizi Ouzou court on charges of “apology for terrorism” and “possession of publications intended to spread propaganda that harms the national interest.” An immediate arrest warrant was issued.

The verdict has sparked outrage in press freedom circles and sports journalism communities, as observers label the trial as politically motivated and devoid of credible evidence.

Gleizes, co-author of the investigative book Magique Système, which explores the exploitation of African footballers, had travelled to Algeria in spring 2024 to research a story on JS Kabylie—one of the country’s most storied football clubs from the 1980s. He was also preparing a tribute to the late Cameroonian footballer Albert Ebossé, who died under mysterious circumstances after a match in Algeria in 2014.

His arrest on May 28, 2024, was reportedly linked to past online exchanges (from 2015 and 2017) with a local football club figure associated with the Movement for the Self-Determination of Kabylia (MAK), a group banned in Algeria. However, his 2024 interactions were reportedly limited strictly to football-related inquiries for his feature on JSK.

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For over a year, Gleizes had been trapped in Algeria under judicial supervision, barred from leaving the country—a form of de facto house arrest. Now, with a harsh prison sentence handed down, the case is seen as yet another blow to press freedom in Algeria, particularly for journalists covering sensitive issues, even in sports.

Many in the football and media world are calling for Gleizes’ immediate release, condemning what they describe as the criminalisation of journalism and the silencing of free expression under the guise of national security.

The case raises fresh concerns about the increasingly hostile environment for international journalists in the region—even those covering the beautiful game.

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Nigerian sports writers’ body, SWAN at 61 unveils plans marking 6 decades of establishment

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The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has officially unveiled the commemorative logo for its 60th anniversary, marking a major milestone in the Association’s illustrious journey since its establishment in 1964.

The body was founded on February 1, 1964, when a group of journalists met in Lagos. The founding leaders who met at the Broad Street Lagos offices of Daily Times elected Adebayo Thompson of Morning Post as their founding chairman.

Babington Bakare was elected as the vice chairman.  The founding secretary was Maurice Domboh  of West African Pilot while the treasurer was Ishola Folorunsho of the Radio Nigeria. Cyril Kappo of Daily Times was the inaugural assistant secretary while Ajibade Fashina-Thomas of Daily Times was the publicity secretary.

The ex-officio members were Peter Osugo (Daily Times) and Sola Oluwole of Daily Express.

In reality, SWAN will be celebrating 60 years plus one. According to a press statement by the national executive of SWAN, the unveiling of the anniversary logo signals the beginning of a series of activities lined up to celebrate six decades of outstanding contributions to sports journalism, development, and advocacy in Nigeria.

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The logo, creatively designed in vibrant green and white, proudly incorporates the figure “60” and the SWAN emblem — a reflection of the Association’s legacy and enduring impact in the sporting landscape of the country.

A ribbon bearing the inscription “Years Anniversary” boldly affirms the significance of the diamond jubilee.

SWAN President Isaiah Benjamin described the unveiling as a symbolic moment of pride, reflection, and rededication.

“As we unveil this logo, we are not just celebrating the past 60 years, but also reigniting our collective commitment to professionalism, integrity, and the promotion of sports through responsible journalism,” he stated.

He added that the anniversary celebration will feature a rich lineup of activities, including awards, public lectures, media games, recognition of sports icons and veterans, as well as a gala night to honour distinguished personalities who have supported SWAN’s mission over the years.

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The three-day anniversary event will be held in October, aligning with Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebration.

The 60th anniversary comes as SWAN intensifies its role in shaping narratives around sports governance, policy, and inclusive participation across all levels.

Members of the media, partners, stakeholders, and the general public are enjoined to join in the celebration of this historic achievement and support the Association’s vision for the future.

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Commemorative publication on Motsepe’s first term as CAF boss available for download

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Dr Patrice Motsepe, who was returned unopposed as CAF president on Wednesday in Cairo, has had his first term in office documented.

According to the CAF publication, Motsepe will build on the extensive progress he made during his first term to make African Football globally competitive.


Dr Motsepe’s objective when he first took office in March 2021 was to make African Football self-sustaining and drive growth in several different spheres. The last four years have seen CAF move its development agenda forward at pace with many historic firsts.

These achievements are contained in a publication to mark Dr Motsepe’s first four years as President, titled, ‘The Growth and Success of African Football Continues’, which media can download here

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The magazine walks us through Dr Motsepe’s 10-point plan when he took office, and the wide-ranging advances that have been made towards reaching and surpassing his objectives.

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