Alex Scott has quit her Disney+ presenting role covering the Women’s Champions League, just weeks after the BBC axed Football Focus, as both parties issue warm statements on her departure
Alex Scott will no longer front the Women’s Champions League coverage on Disney +, opting to step down just over a month after her production company, First Cap, launched its first programme, One More Word. Scott, who celebrated her 42nd birthday on Wednesday, also presents Women’s Super League matches on the BBC, and her new show similarly centres around England’s premier women’s football league.
The former Football Focus host founded First Cap in May, shortly before the end of last season, when the BBC discontinued their television magazine show after a 52-year run, five of which saw her as its first permanent female presenter.
The Guardian has reported that Scott has chosen to leave her role at Disney+ to focus on other projects, including her new show. The broadcasting rights for the Women’s Champions League were secured by the streaming service only last May, under a five-season deal encompassing all 75 matches.
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A spokesperson for Disney+ expressed: “We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Alex Scott for her contribution to our coverage of the UEFA Women’s Champions League on Disney+.
“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. We wish her every success.”, reports the Express.
Scott’s representatives have also issued a response, stating: “Alex is grateful for the opportunities she has had to work with the team at Disney+ and hopes that they continue to work together in the future.”
Disney+’s coverage of the Women’s Champions League has come under fire this season, with viewers pointing out technical issues with the ESPN-produced broadcasts. Adverts noticeably interrupted their coverage of the match between Arsenal and HB Koge, with roughly three minutes of the second half left unaired, leaving some viewers staring at a “commercial break in progress” message.
Scott addressed the issue with the Observer, stating: “Ultimately, do I agree with all the decisions that were made? Absolutely not. Did I try and advise? Yes, but I can only do so much. But nobody sees the conversations, the fights I have behind the scenes. But I can hold my head up and know that I’ve always tried my best for the greater good of women’s sport.”
Their broadcasting schedule resumes on 28 October, with Lianne Sanderson, Nedum Onuoha and Shebahn Aherne all reportedly remaining part of the Disney+ presenting team, joined by commentators Jacqui Oatley and Vicki Sparks.