The BBC introduced on Thursday that Soccer Focus shall be axed on the finish of the season with Richard Keys issuing a warning
Richard Keys has claimed that the BBC will quickly axe Match of the Day following the cancellation of Soccer Focus — and has leapt to the defence of Alex Scott. The broadcaster introduced on Thursday that Soccer Focus, which first aired in 1974, will come to an finish subsequent month as soon as the present Premier League season concludes.
Scott has fronted the present since 2021 following the exit of long-standing presenter Dan Walker. Nonetheless, Keys doesn’t imagine her involvement is the rationale behind the programme’s cancellation.
The previous Sky Sports activities presenter, who now works for beIN Sports activities in Qatar, argues that ‘viewing habits have modified’ — and that Match of the Day ‘shall be subsequent’.
Get movie star information and gossip plus chosen affords and competitions Subscribe Invalid e-mail
We use your sign-up to supply content material in methods you’ve got consented to and to enhance our understanding of you. This will likely embody adverts from us and third events primarily based on our understanding. You possibly can unsubscribe at any time. Learn our Privateness Coverage
Associated articles
BBC icon slams determination to scrap long-running present – ‘I am so disillusioned’
Spurs get Premier League response after foul that ended Cristian Romero’s season
“It isn’t Alex Scott’s fault Soccer Focus has folded – it is a signal of the occasions,” Keys posted on X.
“MOTD shall be subsequent. Viewing habits have modified. That is why Grandstand & World of Sport ended. And Sportsnight. Pre-show & post-show wrapped round reside video games will go quickly as properly.”
EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the very best sports activities information and way more on our Fb web page
Match of the Day underwent a recent change this season, with three new hosts sharing the presenting duties left vacant by Gary Lineker’s departure. Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan now collectively helm the BBC’s flagship soccer programme, stories The Mirror.
Scott additionally acknowledged on Thursday that she had deliberate to step down from Soccer Focus in Might — and had already made the BBC conscious of her determination.
Soccer Focus has been cancelled by the BBC with its ultimate broadcast pencilled in for subsequent month (Picture: Getty)
“I all the time knew this might be my final season on the present, which the BBC have been conscious of too,” Scott posted on Instagram. “My intention was to maneuver quietly into the subsequent chapter, however generally issues change.
“When this present started all these years in the past, social media wasn’t a driving power, podcasts did not exist, and there was no instantaneous entry to info in the best way there may be right now. Now by the point we go on air the fact is you’ve got already seen it, debated it and lived it throughout so many platforms. That shift has modified the entire business.
“TV audiences have been declining for years, whereas digital and on-demand viewing continues to develop. To have been a part of it has been extremely particular, and I am so grateful and happy with the eight years I have been concerned , together with the 5 years I’ve had the honour of presenting it.
“It has been such an necessary a part of my life, working with a few of the highest folks within the enterprise, each on display and behind the scenes. I’ve cherished a lot of it, the conversations, the laughter, and sharing so many massive moments with you, the viewers. Thanks for being a part of it.”
The ultimate version of Soccer Focus is scheduled to broadcast over the weekend of Saturday, Might 23, serving as a preview to the concluding spherical of this season’s Premier League matches.
Leave a Reply