The BBC have announced that its iconic show, Football Focus, will be coming to an end this summer after 52 years.
Football Focus was first launched in 1974 and became a staple programme on the BBC every Saturday throughout the season.
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But the decision has been made to scrap the show, which provides analysis, interviews and more before the weekend’s games.
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson was the first Football Focus host over half a century ago, with Steve Rider, Gary Lineker, Ray Stubbs, Manish Bhasin and Dan Walker all taking the role too.
The current and now final host has been ex-Lioness Alex Scott, with things coming to an end at the end of this campaign.
Announcing the cancellation of the programme, the BBC wrote: “Following extensive consideration, BBC Sport has made the difficult decision to say goodbye to Football Focus at the end of this season.
“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.”
Director of BBC Sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, 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 BBC will be reshuffling its Saturday coverage following the scrapping of its iconic, long-running show.
From the start of the 2026/27 season, The Football Interview, hosted by Kelly Somers, will move to the 12:45pm slot on the channel, while Final Score will start at 3:45pm, which is earlier than this year.
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Scott staying put
Ex-England international and Arsenal defender Scott will be moving on from hosting Football Focus after the cancellation.
However, the BBC have confirmed she will be staying with them.
They wrote: “Alex Scott is one of our finest presenters, is hugely popular across the men’s 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 Sports Personality of the Year.
“We are also working on a very exciting new project with her – more to come on that soon.”
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‘Really sad’
Former Football Focus host Walker has given his thoughts on the BBC’s cancellation of the iconic programme.
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.”
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