Football Focus is to end after 52 years, BBC Sport has announced.

[davieG]

Launched in 1974, the Saturday lunchtime television programme provided fans with interviews, analysis and stories from across the game before the weekend's fixtures.

Changing audience habits have meant a growth in the use of digital platforms and on-demand to get the same pre-match content.

As a result, linear television viewing figures have gradually declined since 2018.

Football Focus will run until the end of the 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."

From next season, Kelly Somers' The Football Interview will move to Saturday at 12:45 BST on BBC One. Final Score with Jason Mohammad will start on BBC One earlier than it has this season - at 15:45 BST.

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka, former Chelsea manager Emma Hayes, Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva, Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike and Manchester United boss Michael Carrick are among the players and coaches to have featured on The Football Interview this season.

BBC Sport says it will expand its digital output across BBC platforms, including exclusive shows on YouTube. The intention is to deliver more high-quality, accessible and engaging football coverage at scale.

[Alf Bentley]

 

[Super_horns]

Surprised it took so long .

 

Probably well past the program serving any real purpose or interest in terms of output.

[Blueman1967]

It was good in it's day, but has been going downhill

[Corky]

It's heyday was during a time when football coverage was minimal, three or four television channels were around and no internet. Review shows are probably better than preview shows now, and 12pm on a Saturday is now very much live football territory.

[CWC1983]

Bob Wilson days were the best, but Saint and Greavsie was my preferred choice. 

 

[Voll Blau]

A shame. Feel like such an old cvnt now when things like this that I loved as a kid go by the wayside.

 

Swear there was even a Cricket Focus equivalent in the summer at some point?

[Super_horns]

49 minutes ago, Voll Blau said:

A shame. Feel like such an old cvnt now when things like this that I loved as a kid go by the wayside.

 

Swear there was even a Cricket Focus equivalent in the summer at some point?

I think Channel 4 did when they had live coverage..

 

Agree - used to watch FF after Trans World Sport and Football Italia on a Saturday morning!

[Voll Blau]

6 hours ago, Super_horns said:

I think Channel 4 did when they had live coverage..

 

Agree - used to watch FF after Trans World Sport and Football Italia on a Saturday morning!

That was the Cricket Roadshow - also excellent! Sure the Beeb did their version before that, though.

[sm1]

On 24/04/2026 at 22:31, Super_horns said:

I think Channel 4 did when they had live coverage..

 

Agree - used to watch FF after Trans World Sport and Football Italia on a Saturday morning!

Same here. I was talking to my son a few years back about Trans World Sport. His reaction, "I didn't know they had programmes about trans athletes 30yrs ago". Made me laugh.

[SemperEadem]

On 24/04/2026 at 22:31, Super_horns said:

I think Channel 4 did when they had live coverage..

 

Agree - used to watch FF after Trans World Sport and Football Italia on a Saturday morning!

Those three were the dream Saturday morning.