BBC axes Football Focus after 52 years
The BBC has announced that it will axe Football Focus at the end of the current season.
Football Focus has been axed by the BBC.
The broadcaster has announced that the long-running sports show - which launched in 1974 - will air for the final time at the end of the current football season.
Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport, 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."
The programme has been hosted by former England international Alex Scott in recent years, and the BBC intends to continue to work with her again in the future.
The BBC boss said: "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."
Meanwhile, Dan Walker, another former host of the show, has taken to social media to react to the news.
He wrote on X: "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."
