Alex Scott has stepped down from Disney+’s coverage of the Women’s Champions League, shortly after the launch of a new football programme drew criticism from viewers.
The former Football Focus presenter had worked with the streaming service since it secured the rights to the competition in 2025. She is now expected to concentrate on other commitments, including her recently launched WSL programme, One More Word WSL.
Disney+ thanked Scott for her contribution, saying: “Her passion for the women’s game and the competition shone through throughout her time with us, and we are grateful for all she contributed.”
Her departure comes after she presented a new Match of the Day-style show alongside former professional footballer Lianne Sanderson, influencers Tyra Mills and Alex Bailess.
The programme appeared designed to attract Gen Z viewers, but its opening episode was widely mocked on social media. Football coverage was accompanied by discussions in which the sport was sometimes seen as secondary, while an influencer dog named Barley was asked to select a Champions League winner using food.
The show also featured a watch party with Dutch twins Sanne and Merel van Dongen. Sanne is a former basketball player, while Merel has played football.
Viewers questioned the format and the decision to include the dog, whose 137,000 Instagram followers were mentioned during the programme. One critic wrote that supporters of women’s football wanted “impartial analysis, post-match interviews with the team that’s played and less dog”.
Another viewer joked: “Sorry the dog in the Disney studio for the UWCL coverage is finishing me like am I watching the coverage for the football or Crufts?”
Disney+ also faced criticism after an unscheduled advert break was shown during Arsenal’s match against HB Koge.
Alex Scott’s broadcasting career
Scott ended her role on Football Focus after the BBC programme was taken off air at the end of last season, following 52 years on television. The long-running Saturday show was affected by BBC cuts amid falling viewing figures.
She became emotional during the final episode when returning presenter Garth Crooks gave her a photograph of Scott with the programme’s first host, Bob Wilson.
“That’s got me,” Scott said as she looked at the gift, which carried the message: “Alex, congratulations for all you have achieved.”
She later paid tribute to the programme and its viewers, saying it had brought football into Saturday afternoons “week in week out” and that “the thing that never changed was you, the fans”.
