Karl Stefanovic is reportedly consulting with lawyers regarding potential legal action against the Nine Network for wrongful dismissal, following his abrupt departure from the "Today" show. Stefanovic announced his exit from the network on Friday, stating he was "free" after the fallout from a controversial interview on his independent podcast.

Sources suggest Stefanovic aims to emulate radio personality Kyle Sandilands' past legal strategy by seeking compensation for the remainder of his contract and potential damages for reputational harm. Stefanovic, a long-time Nine personality for approximately 25 years, had six months remaining on his 12-month contract, with the outstanding amount estimated between $1 million and $1.5 million.

The TV star, who has been a Nine stalwart for some 25 years, had six months and between $1million and $1.5million left to be paid on his 12 month contract

This move mirrors a past dispute involving Kyle Sandilands, who reportedly considered a substantial claim against Australian Radio Network. While Sandilands' matter did not proceed to a full court battle, it concluded with a confidential settlement.

The decision for Stefanovic to leave Nine was announced live on air by co-host Sarah Abo, who became emotional during the broadcast. Fill-in host Tom Steinfort indicated that Stefanovic's independent podcast project, "The Karl Stefanovic Show," made it impossible for him to continue with the "Today" show.

It was announced on Friday that Stefanovic would be leaving Nine following the fallout from his controversial interview with Tommy Robinson. His co-host Sarah Abo tearfully broke the news on the Today show

Nine Network confirmed the immediate departure in a statement, agreeing that Stefanovic could not simultaneously host "Today" and his independent podcast. Stefanovic himself shared a video addressing fans from London, expressing his happiness at being "truly independent" after what he described as a difficult few days.

Shortly after the announcement, Stefanovic addressed his Today show fans in a video, believed to be filmed in a park in London, saying the last few days 'hadn't been easy' but he was happy to be 'truly independent' at last

Stefanovic's exit follows the controversy surrounding an interview with British far-right activist Tommy Robinson, which was initially uploaded to his podcast channel and subsequently deleted after facing backlash.

Stefanovic uploaded a controversial chat with British far-right activist Robinson (pictured) to his YouTube channel podcast, The Karl Stefanovic Show, on Tuesday, only to delete it hours later after facing widespread backlash

News of Stefanovic's departure has garnered attention globally, with reports of Australian fans expressing support abroad. One instance included a group of Australian football fans chanting "We want our Karl back" at a pub in California ahead of the Socceroos' World Cup match.

Meanwhile group of Aussie football fans voiced their support for Karl Stefanovic while gathered in a California pub ahead of the Socceroos' World Cup showdown against Paraguay