Richard Keys Shares Bold Prediction: Will Football Focus Be the Next Iconic BBC Show to Get the Ax?

MATCH OF THE DAY will be cut sooner rather than later after Football Focus was AXED by the BBC this week.

That is according to former Sky Sports presenter, who sees a bleak future for sports news shows.

Richard Keys believes Match of the Day will be the next show to get canned Credit: X / beINSPORTS_EN It comes after Football Focus was axed by the BBC Credit: bbc

The Qatar-based beIN host believes that more sports TV programmes will be canned in the years to come.

It all follows the decision to stop producing Football Focus, a regular for many fans on free-to-air TV for over 50 years.

The have cited declining viewers since the Covid-19 as part of the reason.

, with Keys having sympathy for her and the industry.

He wrote on X after the news: “It’s not Alex Scott’s fault Football Focus has folded – it’s a sign of the times.

“will be next. Viewing habits have changed. That’s why Grandstand & World of Sport ended. And Sportsnight.

“Pre-show & post-show wrapped around live games will go soon as well.”

Keys, 68, was part of Sky’s takeover of domestic football coverage in from 1992 and spent two decades at the company before leaving controversially in 2011.

He and former attacker Andy Gray, a pundit, analyst, and co-commentator for matches, were recorded making sexist comments about a female linesman.

They left Sky and have continued to cover football with beIN in the Middle East.

But they will both be coming to the end of their stay there when the current season finishes in May .

It was reported that both Keys and Gray will depart from beIN before the World Cup.

When they do, there will be no Football Focus to watch after the decision to get rid.

It has had a mixed reception with some claiming that its popularity and quality had reduced too much in recent years.

But others have hit out at the BBC with : “It has run successfully for 52 years, so goodness me, why are they getting rid of it?

“I have always watched the show when possible and loved the fact that it was being enjoyed by the next generation.

“Now that I’m 84, it was a huge part of not only my life but also that of many football supporters. It’s sad news.

“I am really disappointed it has come to this. The BBC has said it will be replaced next season by an interview show about what makes footballers tick. That is crazy.

“People want to be told about the big games of the weekend, the issues, the news of the week, discussion, covering a range of clubs and personalities.”

Football Focus has repeatedly been labelled “woke” by fans and some previous employees.

Scott herself said she planned to leave the show at the end of the season anyway, regardless of if it continued.

She took over from in 2021 and has been heavily criticised by many online.

Former presenter Dan Walker has hit out at the decision Credit: BBC Ex-Arsenal goalkeeper and previous host Bob Wilson also slammed the Beeb Credit: BBC

Walker also took aim at the Beeb, saying: “Really sad to hear about the end of Football Focus.

“I loved that show growing up. I used to watch it every week with my dad and I remember how proud he was when I got the job.

“It was such a privilege to sit in the chair for 12 years, work with an amazing team on and off air and form so many lasting friendships. Saturdays were always special.

“The football landscape is constantly changing and it’s disappointing that there isn’t space for a show that has meant so much to so many people for so many years.”

As for Coventry fan Keys, he is expected to move back .

She is a former friend of his daughter, Jemma, and has been the centre of much speculation.

Keys married Lucie, who is 31 years younger than him, in 2023.

And he told The Telegraph he is keen to become a dad again: “If something of that nature happened, I would be a very, very happy man.

“I’ve looked around at men my age who have entered the fatherhood phase for a second time, and they all seem to be a lot more relaxed.

“They’re more understanding of the role they have.

“I’ve come to the conclusion that when you’re in your 20s, 30s, you’re pushing your shoulders to the wheel and you haven’t got time to be a good father. I’ve got plenty of time.”

He also defended his marriage to Lucie and denied .

Keys continued: “What’s damaging is that people presume I ran away with my daughter’s best mate, locked her in a room, and gave her no choice about whether she wanted to be with me or not. All of which is nonsense.

“Lucie’s one of the most powerful, strong-minded individuals you’ll come across. She’s deeply passionate about women’s rights.

“People see me as an easy target, but the narrative is not fair on her. It’s totally wrong.”

Keys split with Julia in 2016.