Football Focus has come to a shocking end after 52 years as BBC Sport’s flagship show is soon to be no more
The BBC has announced that Football Focus will be axed from its schedule, bringing an end to over half a century on British television.
The broadcaster released a statement confirming the popular Saturday afternoon football programme will cease production. In their announcement, the BBC stated: “Following extensive consideration, BBC Sport has decided to say goodbye to Football Focus at the end of this season.
“First broadcast in 1974, Football Focus is a testament to the brilliant team who have worked on it over the years and, of course, the audience. The programme has been a staple of the BBC’s football coverage for decades, providing fans with interviews, analysis and stories from across the game ahead of the weekend’s fixtures.
“But changing audience behaviours mean fans are now increasingly consuming football content in different ways and we need to respond appropriately as we face difficult decisions around how the licence fee is spent.
“Fans are accessing discussion, highlights, analysis and news through digital platforms and on-demand viewing and as viewing habits continue to evolve, it is right that BBC Sport adapts how it brings football coverage to the widest audiences across television, radio, online and to its extensive social platforms.
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“BBC Sport boasts a strong football rights portfolio and is set to significantly expand its digital output this year growing content across BBC platforms, as well as a bold new slate of exclusive shows on YouTube.
“Featuring fresh formats, big personalities and more frequent, always-on content tailored for digital audiences, the expansion will bring fans closer to the game than ever before delivering more high-quality, accessible and engaging football coverage at scale. We will release further details on these plans in the coming months.
“Football Focus is currently fronted by the brilliant Alex Scott, who will remain at the heart of BBC Sport’s football coverage and biggest sporting moments. Alex will play a key role across this year’s FIFA World Cup, the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and BBC Sport’s ongoing coverage of the Women’s Super League.
“She will also once again serve as one of this year’s hosts of the BBC Sport Personality of the Year Awards, with more new and exciting projects with Alex due to be announced in the coming months.”
BBC Sport Director Alex Kay-Jelski issued a statement regarding the conclusion of the landmark programme, while also outlining the corporation’s future plans for Alex Scott. He said: “Football Focus has been a hugely important programme in the history of BBC Sport and has played a key role in telling the stories of the game for generations of viewers.
“This decision was made before last week’s wider BBC savings announcement, reflecting the continued shift in how audiences engage with football and our commitment to evolving how we deliver content to reach fans wherever they are.
“Alex Scott is one of our finest presenters, is hugely popular across the men and women’s game and is a big part of our present and future. She will remain at the heart of our sports output across both the Men’s World Cup this year and the Women’s World Cup in 2027, as well as continuing her lead role on the Women’s Super League and BBC Sport Personality of the Year.
“We are also working on a very exciting new project with her – more to come on that soon.” Concerning Football Focus’ future, the BBC has confirmed that ‘The Football Interview’ will now air on Saturdays at 12:45 on BBC One.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
Presented by Kelly Somers, the programme has already featured the likes of Bukayo Saka, Emma Hayes, Bernardo Silva, Hugo Ekitike and Michael Carrick discussing life at elite level. Final Score with Jason Mohammad will commence at the earlier time of 15:45 on BBC One, with both shows available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
Amid the extensive changes at the corporation, the Telegraph has reported the BBC intends to cut up to one in 10 positions among its 21,500-strong workforce over the next two years.
Scott gave her reaction to the show ending on Instagram as the host said in a video: “2 years of an iconic football show. It’s a show that I’ll forever be honoured to be associated with and one that has made me grow as a presenter in a way I’ll always look back on with pride.
“Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey, from the bottom of my heart it means so much. Time to get excited for big summer of sport ahead x.” Ex-Football Focus host Dan Walker took to X to open up on the significance the show had on him, as he wrote: “Really sad to hear about the end of Football Focus.
“I loved that show growing up. I used to watch it every week with my dad and I remember how proud he was when I got the job. It was such a privilege to sit in the chair for 12 years, work with an amazing team on and off air and form so many lasting friendships. Saturdays were always special. The football landscape is constantly changing and it’s disappointing that there isn’t space for a show that has meant so much to so many people for so many years.”
