Football Focus launched as part of Grandstand in 1974
BBC Sport has announced that Football Focus will conclude its 52-year run.
The Saturday lunchtime program, which premiered in 1974, has long provided viewers with interviews, analysis, and insights into the world of football ahead of the weekend’s matches.
Evolving audience consumption habits, marked by a surge in digital platform usage and on-demand content, have reshaped how fans access pre-match coverage.
Consequently, linear television viewership has experienced a gradual decline since 2018.
Football Focus will continue broadcasting until the end of the current season.
Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport, stated, “Football Focus has been an integral part of BBC Sport’s history, playing a vital role in narrating the sport’s stories to generations of viewers.”
“This decision, made prior to last week’s broader BBC savings announcement, reflects the ongoing shift in audience engagement with football and our dedication to evolving our content delivery to reach fans wherever they are.”
Starting next season, Kelly Somers’ The Football Interview will move to Saturdays at 12:45 BST on BBC One. Final Score, hosted by Jason Mohammad, will begin airing earlier on BBC One at 15:45 BST.
This season, The Football Interview has featured prominent figures such as Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka, former Chelsea manager Emma Hayes, Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva, Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike, and Manchester United boss Michael Carrick.
BBC Sport plans to expand its digital presence across various platforms, including exclusive YouTube shows, aiming to deliver more high-quality, accessible, and engaging football coverage at scale.
Football Focus originated as part of Grandstand, initially presented as Football Preview by Sam Leitch.
It was later rebranded as Football Focus, with Bob Wilson becoming an iconic figure. Wilson, a former Arsenal goalkeeper, began his presenting duties in 1974 and remained in the role for two decades.
Steve Rider, Gary Lineker, Ray Stubbs, Manish Bhasin, and Dan Walker, who held the position for 12 years, have also served as hosts.
Alex Scott, the current host for the past five years, will be the final presenter of Football Focus and will continue her work with the BBC.
“Alex Scott is an exceptional presenter, highly regarded in both men’s and women’s football, and a vital part of our present and future,” Kay-Jelski added.
“She will remain central to our sports coverage, including the men’s World Cup this year and the Women’s World Cup in 2027, while continuing her prominent role on the Women’s Super League and BBC Sports Personality of the Year.”
“We are also developing a very exciting new project with her, with more details to be announced soon.”
Scott expressed that being part of the program had been “incredibly special” and that it was an “honor” to have served as its presenter for five years.
“It has been such an important part of my life, working with some of the very best people in the business, both on screen and behind the scenes,” she shared on Instagram.
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