The BBC announced on Thursday that Football Focus won’t return next season after 52 years on the air, with fears that Match of the Day could be next to receive the axe
Richard Keys has claimed that the BBC will soon axe Match of the Day after cancelling Football Focus – and defended Alex Scott. The corporation announced on Thursday that Football Focus, which was first broadcast in 1974, will end next month following the conclusion of the current Premier League season.
Scott has hosted the show since 2021 following the departure of long-time host Dan Walker. But Keys doesn’t believe that her presence is why the show has been axed.
The former Sky Sports presenter, who now works for beIN Sports in Qatar, argues that ‘viewing habits have changed’ – and that’s why Match of the Day ‘will be next’. “It’s not Alex Scott’s fault Football Focus has folded – it’s a sign of the times,” Keys posted on X.
“MOTD will be next. Viewing habits have changed. That’s why Grandstand & World of Sport ended. And Sportsnight. Pre-show & post-show wrapped around live games will go soon as well.”
WORLD CUP LEGENDS: The stars who lit up football’s greatest tournament – Buy the Special Edition today
READ MORE: BBC announces changes to two other programmes as major show suddenly axedREAD MORE: BBC announce ‘very exciting’ plan for Alex Scott as Football Focus cancelled
Match of the Day was given a new look this season, with three news hosts sharing the presenting duties which were left vacant by Gary Lineker. Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan are now the co-hosts for the BBC’s flagship football programme.
Scott also revealed on Thursday that she intended to leave Football Focus in May – and had already informed the BBC. “I always knew this would be my last season on the show, which the BBC were aware of too,” she wrote on Instagram. “My intention was to move quietly into the next chapter, but sometimes things change.
“When this show began all those years ago, social media wasn’t a driving force, podcasts didn’t exist, and there was no instant access to information in the way there is today. Now by the time we go on air the reality is you’ve already seen it, debated it and lived it across so many platforms. That shift has changed the whole industry.
Should the BBC cancel Match of the Day? Have your say in the comments section.
“TV audiences have been declining for years, while digital and on-demand viewing continues to grow. To have been part of it has been incredibly special, and I’m so grateful and proud of the eight years I’ve been involved , including the five years I’ve had the honour of presenting it.
“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. I’ve loved so much of it, the conversations, the laughter, and sharing so many big moments with you, the audience. Thank you for being part of it.”
The final Football Focus is due to air over the weekend of Saturday, May 23 to preview the final round of this season’s Premier League fixtures.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us – and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.





You must be logged in to post a comment Login