Alex Scott has stepped down from presenting Women's Champions League coverage on Disney+, just weeks after taking on the role. The decision comes barely a month after her production company, First Cap Productions, launched its first show, One More Word.
Career shift and new focus
Scott, 42, incorporated First Cap in May, weeks before hosting the final episode of Football Focus, which the BBC cancelled at the end of last season. She spent five years fronting the programme and became its first full-time female presenter in 2021.
Her emphasis now appears to be on the Women's Super League. One More Word covers England's highest-level women's football league.
Disney+ reaction and technical issues
The Guardian reports that Scott has left her Disney+ role to focus on other projects, including the new show. Women's Champions League rights were secured by the platform only last May in a five-season deal covering all 75 matches.
A spokesperson for Disney+ stated: "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 have also commented. They said: "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."
Coverage of the Women's Champions League on Disney+ has drawn criticism this season. Viewers have highlighted technical problems with the ESPN-produced broadcasts they use. Advertisements notably interrupted their coverage of the match between Arsenal and HB Koge. About three minutes of the second half were not shown, with the message "commercial break in progress" displayed for some viewers.
Scott's remarks and upcoming coverage
Scott spoke about the subject to the Observer, saying: "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 coverage resumes on October 28. Lianne Sanderson, Nedum Onuoha and Shebahn Aherne are still said to be part of the Disney+ presenting team, alongside commentators Jacqui Oatley and Vicki Sparks.
