Alex Scott quits Disney+ role after criticism of Women's Champions League coverage
Alex Scott has left her role as the lead presenter of the Women's Champions League on Disney+ after criticism of the production of their coverage last month. The former England international and Football Focus host had fronted the Women's Champions League on the streaming platform since they obtained the rights last year.
But there were issues during the opening week of this season's competition when coverage of Arsenal's match against Koge wasinterrupted by an unscheduled advertising breakduring the second half. The format of a new show called The Hangout was also panned by critics after it inexplicably featured a dog called Barley Boy on a rotating set, and was likened to children's television.
While news of Scott's departure was first reported by The Guardian on Thursday, the former Lioness hinted that she was not happy with the new format inan interview withThe Observerearlier this month. "I have to turn up and do my job," she said.
"Ultimately, do I agree with all the decisions that were made? Yes, but I can only do so much.
A spokesperson for Disney+, whose coverage of the Women's Champions League is produced by ESPN, said: We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Alex Scott for her contribution to our coverage of the 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 in the future." A representative for Scott toldThe Independent: "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."
Scott's role as host of Football Focus came to an end last season when the long-running magazine showwas scrapped by the BBC after 52 years.
She has since launched her own women's football show, One More Word WSL, on YouTube, alongside former England internationals Fara Williams and Anita Asante. The rest of the presenting line-up on Disney+, which includes Shebahn Aherne, Sanne and Merel van Dongen, Nedum Onuoha and Lianne Sanderson, remains unchanged and will return later this month.