Alex Scott leaves Disney+ Women's Champions League role weeks after BBC Football Focus exit

Scott, 42, spent five years as the lead presenter of Football Focus and became its first full-time female presenter before the BBC axed the programme at the end of last season. She hosted its final episode shortly after incorporating her production company, First Cap Productions, in May.

A Disney+ spokesperson said: “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.”

Scott’s representatives indicated the departure was amicable and forward-looking. “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,” they said.

First Cap Productions launched its debut show, One More Word, which focuses on the Women’s Super League — England’s top-tier women’s football competition. Scott’s move suggests her attention is shifting toward content she has a direct stake in producing.

Disney+ secured Women’s Champions League rights only last May in a five-season deal covering all 75 matches per campaign, making Scott’s swift exit a notable early development for the platform’s football output.

The coverage has not been without controversy this season. Viewers reported technical difficulties with the ESPN-produced broadcasts, including an incident during Arsenal’s match against HB Køge in which approximately three minutes of second-half action were replaced on screen by a “commercial break in progress” message.

Scott addressed the criticism in comments to the Observer: “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.”

Lianne Sanderson, Nedum Onuoha, and Shebahn Aherne are reported to remain part of the Disney+ presenting team, alongside commentators Jacqui Oatley and Vicki Sparks.