Football Focus to come to an end after 52 years

Sad news for fans

The show was first launched in 1974 and is known for giving footy fans their Saturday lunchtime fix of interviews, analysis and sport stories ahead of games kicking off.

However, in recent years, the show has seen a decline in viewership.

Viewing figures have been declining since 2018, due to a change in habits from audiences, meaning people look online more for their pre-match info.

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 says the show will run until the end of the season, and its 12.45pm BST slot will be replaced by Kelly Somers' The Football Interview from next season.