The BBC has announced a major overhaul of its football coverage ahead of the 2026/27 season, including the axing of a long-running programme, new studio faces, and a reduced salary for one of its most popular pundits.
Football Focus replaced after 52 years
In the biggest change, Football Focus has been cancelled after 52 years on air. The Saturday lunchtime show, a weekly ritual for generations of supporters, will be replaced by The Football Interview, fronted by Kelly Somers.
Behind the scenes, Newcastle legend Alan Shearer remains in his Match of the Day role alongside Wayne Rooney, but official BBC figures show he is now earning less. His annual pay has dropped from the £440,000-£444,999 bracket to between £390,000 and £394,999. It is unclear whether Shearer accepted the reduction voluntarily or was handed the cut, but he remains one of the corporation's highest-paid sports stars.
New pundits join the line-up
When Match of the Day returns this weekend, four new faces will join the analysis: Ashley Young, Robbie Keane, Toby Alderweireld, and former Tottenham and Brentford boss Thomas Frank. They will form part of a rotating guest punditry line-up.
Six familiar names – Martin Keown, Dion Dublin, Shay Given, Stephen Warnock, Nedum Onuoha, and Theo Walcott – were absent from the latest pundits list, but Mirror Football understands they have not been dropped. They are still expected to feature in Match of the Day coverage this season as the BBC uses its wider squad.
Digital push and fan focus
BBC Head of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski has promised to put supporters "firmly at the heart of the game." As part of the shake-up, the BBC is launching four new shows exclusively on its Football YouTube channel: FANS², The Truth About Football, Golden Goal, and Football Hub.
These formats will run alongside a fan collective featuring a supporter from every Premier League club, reflecting Kay-Jelski's pledge to put fans at the centre of the new season.
With high-profile additions, the end of a 52-year-old institution, and fresh ideas, this Premier League season promises to be as much a talking point in the studio as on the pitch.
