Gary Lineker says dispute with HMRC over £4.9m tax invoice has been ‘resolved’ after an enchantment towards courtroom ruling was withdrawn

Gary Lineker has said a dispute with the HMRC over a £4.9million tax bill has been resolved after an appeal against the court ruling was withdrawn. 

The tax authority had appealed a court decision in March 2023 that ruled in Lineker’s favour over the enormous tax bill, The Mirror first reported. 

The taxman claims he should have been classed as an employee of the BBC and BT Sport for his presenting duties between 2013 and 2018, rather than as a freelancer.

Lineker, who this week announced he will step down as host of Match of the Day at the end of the season, insisted during last year’s hearing that all of his taxes were paid on the income via a partnership set up in 2012 with his ex-wife Danielle Bux.

HMRC cited legislation known as IR35, designed to clamp down on tax avoidance by so-called disguised employees, who charge for their services via limited companies. 

But a judge ruled legislation did not apply because there were direct contracts between the presenter and both the BBC and BT Sport.

At the time, Lineker’s barrister, James Rivett KC, criticised HMRC lawyers after they laughed at suggestions there was a political element to the investigations, adding: ‘This is just a panto laugh. My client has been dragged through the papers accused of not paying income tax which has been paid.’ 

This week, the BBC revealed that Lineker had extended his TV contract until the end of the 2026 World Cup – but is stepping down from MotD after 26 years fronting the flagship football show as it ‘evolves for changing viewing habits’. 

In a 21-word statement, which did not mention leaving MotD at all, he said: ‘I’m delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen’. 

A day later it was announced he was also stepping down from his role as presenter of Sports Personality Of The Year. 

Lineker is believed to have been ‘open’ to staying as MotD host and even offered to cut his £1.35million-a-year salary but the BBC declined.

Lineker’s exit will close the curtain on a long – and at times controversial – chapter for one the nation’s most popular sports shows.

The statement read: ‘The BBC and Gary Lineker have agreed in principle a contract extension through to the 2026 World Cup.

‘Gary will lead the coverage of the tournament, as England once again try to land a first major trophy since 1966, the other Home Nations look to qualify and Lionel Messi aims to retain the trophy he won with Argentina.

‘Gary will also host BBC Sport’s coverage of the FA Cup in the 2025-26 season, 35 years on from lifting the trophy as a player.

‘After a quarter of a century, Gary is stepping down from hosting Match of The Day at the end of this season. He will continue with the MOTD Top Ten podcast and the BBC will also host the hugely popular The Rest is Football podcast on BBC Sounds.’

Lineker has, however, secured a deal with the BBC to stream his immensely lucrative The Rest is Football podcast on the BBC Sounds app. 

Brand and Culture expert Nick Ede told MailOnline that despite the disappointment of leaving MotD, the BBC Sounds tie-up for The Rest is Football will prove a lucrative sweetener for the star.

BBC listeners won’t hear adverts, but the access to the BBC’s huge listenership will help him bump up prices for companies paying to promote their brands on other platforms such as YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts, he said.

‘This is a great deal’, Mr Ede said.

‘And it means lots more money for him – and downloads too.

‘Advertisers will be interested because although they can’t promote on it as it’s on the BBC, it’s still the top sporting podcast’.