Gary Lineker has announced that he will not be presenting Match of the Day tonight, three weeks after being taken off the show by the BBC. The presenter was reinstated to the show after being removed for a breach of impartiality rules. Lineker criticised the government’s treatment of refugees and likened Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s language to that used in 1930s Germany. However, he reassured viewers that he has not been suspended again and is simply on holiday. Following his previous suspension, Lineker’s BBC Sport colleagues rallied around him and refused to participate in broadcasts until his reinstatement.
Lineker returned for the Beeb’s FA Cup coverage the following weekend, before having to miss another broadcast due to being unwell. Earlier this week, Lineker won a £4.9million tax battle. HMRC had claimed he should have been classed as an employee of the BBC and BT Sport for presenting duties, rather than as a freelancer. The taxman pursued him for £4.9million it said was owed on his income between 2013 and 2018. But Lineker insisted all taxes were paid on the income via a partnership set up in 2012 with then-wife Danielle Bux.
Legislation called IR35 tackles tax avoidance by so-called disguised employees, who charge for services via limited firms. But tribunal judge John Brooks found that because Lineker had direct contracts with both the BBC and BT Sport, IR35 did not apply in this case. Lineker’s BBC Sport colleagues had previously expressed their support for him after he was taken off Match of the Day for a breach of impartiality rules. The presenter had criticised the government’s treatment of refugees and compared Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s language to that used in 1930s Germany.
Lineker reassured his followers on Twitter that he was not suspended again, but simply on holiday. He wrote: “Just so there’s no misunderstanding, I won’t be doing @BBCMOTD tonight. I’m not suspended, just on holiday. Back next week.” Lineker’s previous suspension had caused controversy, with some accusing the BBC of censorship. However, Lineker’s colleagues at BBC Sport refused to participate in broadcasts until he was reinstated.
Lineker’s victory in the tax battle is a significant one, as it could have implications for other presenters and freelancers who are currently being pursued by HMRC. The case centred on whether Lineker should have been classified as an employee of the BBC and BT Sport, rather than as a freelancer. If he had been classified as an employee, he would have been liable for significantly more tax. However, the tribunal judge found that Lineker had direct contracts with both organisations, meaning that IR35 did not apply in this case.
Lineker’s victory is likely to be welcomed by other presenters and freelancers who are currently facing similar challenges from HMRC. The case has highlighted the complexities of employment status in the media industry, and the need for greater clarity around the rules governing freelancers and employees. It remains to be seen whether HMRC will appeal the decision, or whether Lineker’s victory will lead to a wider review of the rules governing employment status in the media industry.