Gary Lineker slams Fifa over prices and makes ITV admission

The former Match of the Day host made the comments during a surprise appearance on ITV’s coverage of the World Cup, criticising costs as unaffordable for many supporters.

Mr Lineker said: “I think for fans having to take out a second mortgage or sell their car to be able to afford to watch a football match, to fill the pockets of what is supposedly a not-for-profit organisation, I just don’t understand what Fifa are doing and why they are making it so difficult.

“It’s incredible that so many fans have come here despite that.”

He appeared on screen during ITV’s broadcast of Germany versus Ivory Coast, where he briefly took on presenting duties before being interrupted by regular host Laura Woods.

Ms Woods said: “Gary, that’s my job,” to which Mr Lineker replied, “Sorry, sorry. Old habits.”

He also appeared to poke fun at the BBC’s decision not to have a studio in one of the host countries during the tournament.

Mr Lineker is set to return to television later this year as the host of ITV’s new game show, The Box.

Mr Lineker said: “I have been doing a show daily for Netflix, we’re Times Square but I did desperately want to come and see your set.

“I think it’s absolutely amazing and I can confirm that it is real.

“What a backdrop.”

A Fifa spokesperson responded to Mr Lineker’s comments, saying the organisation remains “committed to ensuring fair access” to the competition and offering group stage tickets at $60 (£45), which it described as “an extremely competitive price for a once-in-a-lifetime major global sporting event”.

Mr Lineker left the BBC in May last year after criticism over sharing political opinions on social media.

His departure followed a row over an Instagram post about Zionism, which featured an image of a rat—a symbol historically associated with antisemitism.

“Basically they’re saying you were a stiff No.9 that couldn’t move” 🤣

Harry Kane or Alan Shearer. Who’s England’s greatest ever striker? AD @GoogleUK pic.twitter.com/svHV1UVTLi

— The Rest Is Football (@RestIsFootball) June 17, 2026

The broadcaster later apologised, saying he had not noticed the rat in the image and did not believe “anyone actually believes I would’ve posted that”.

Mr Lineker is set to return to television later this year as the host of ITV’s new game show, The Box.

He also continues to front The Rest Is Football podcast with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.

The podcast will become a daily television show on Netflix during the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

What are your thoughts on the World Cup? Let us know in the comments