Lineker was presented with a special  International award in the Italian capital "for his commitment to promoting human rights through his work as a commentator and his support for Amnesty UK’s Football Welcomes campaign" at a ceremony organised by Amnesty International and the Italian organisation Sport4Society.

"It’s a great honour to receive this prestigious award in a country that’s not my own, which means a lot to me, I’m truly flattered," Lineker said.

"Football is a platform, and I think it’s important for those who work in it to make the most of it in order to convey positive messages."

In March, Lineker’s criticism of British Government policy on migrants in a social media post led to a reprimand from BBC management for breaching impartiality guidelines and his temporary suspension from presenting Match of the Day, the British state broadcaster's flagship television football programme.

Lineker's stance was supported by his fellow pundits and other journalists

"I believe it’s a valuable prize because it highlights the importance of respecting human rights in the world of sport," Lineker added.

Former Palestine women’s football captain Natali Shaheen, who received the The Sport and Human Rights award for her efforts highlighting the social, political and economic difficulties Palestinian women encounter when playing football.

"I am extremely grateful for this recognition, which I dedicate to those who have supported me and always believed in me and continue to do so today. I am honoured to receive this magnificent and meaningful award." Shaheen said.

Shaheen currently plays for FC Athena Sassari in the Italian five-aside league Calcio a 5.

"Today, we celebrate two individuals who defend and promote human rights," Amnesty International Italy Director Ileana Bello said at the Ceremony. 

"Their actions turn sport into a powerful instrument for fostering change and upholding fundamental rights.

“Based on over 60 years of experience, we know how much sport can contribute to the culture of human rights, but unfortunately, it can also violate them. 

"For over 1- years, we’ve been denouncing sportwashing, a strategy used by Gulf monarchies to hide human rights violations through sport, as in the glaring case of the Qatar World Cup."

The award is in its fifth year.

Previous laureates have included Italian basketball captain Pietro Aradori, former Juventus and Italy midfielder Claudio Marchisio and the retired world road race cycling champion Alessandra Cappellotto, who helped cyclists from Afghanistan to settle in Italy following the return of the Taliban to their home country.