BBC axed iconic show, top star took pay cut, new Match of the Day pundits join in shake-up

BBC axed iconic show, top star took pay cut, new Match of the Day pundits join in shake-up The BBC has made a number of changes to its football coverage, including to its flagship programme, Match of the Day The BBC has unveiled a massive shake-up of its football coverage ahead of the 2026/27 season, with a legendary programme getting the chop, fresh faces in the studio, and a lighter pay packet for one of the nation's favourite pundits. In the biggest headline of the broadcaster's new era, Football Focus has been axed after 52 years on our screens. The beloved lunchtime broadcast, which has been a Saturday ritual for generations of fans, is making way for The Football Interview, which is fronted by Kelly Somers. The changes behind the scenes have been just as dramatic. Newcastle legend Alan Shearer is staying put in his Match of the Day hot seat alongside Wayne Rooney, but official BBC figures reveal he is earning less for his services. JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page Shearer's annual pay has dropped from his previous £440,000-£444,999 bracket down to between £390,000 and £394,999. It remains unclear whether the renowned pundit voluntarily accepted the reduction or was handed the cut, but despite the drop, he comfortably remains one of the corporation's highest-paid sports stars. When Match of the Day's iconic theme tune kicks in this weekend, there will also be some new blood analysing the action. The Beeb has secured four fresh additions for the new campaign, with Ashley Young, Robbie Keane, Toby Alderweireld and former Tottenham and Brentford boss Thomas Frank all signing up for guest punditry duties as part of a revolving line-up. Eagle-eyed fans noticed that six familiar faces - Martin Keown, Dion Dublin, Shay Given, Stephen Warnock, Nedum Onuoha and Theo Walcott - were absent from the BBC's latest pundits list. However, Mirror Football understands the missing six have not been axed. All of them are still expected to play a role in the BBC's Match of the Day coverage this season as the broadcaster utilises its wider squad – just like any good team. Looking to modernise their coverage, 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 also making a major push into digital content, launching four brand new shows exclusively on the BBC Football YouTube channel: FANS², The Truth About Football, Golden Goal, and Football Hub. These new formats will run alongside a fan collective featuring a supporter from every Premier League club, reflecting BBC Head of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski's promise to put fans "at the heart of the game" for the new season. With huge names joining, a 52-year-old television institution making way for a new era, and plenty of fresh ideas, this Premier League season looks set to be just as much of a talking point in the studio as it is out on the pitch. Join our WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Sky's Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle includes at least 215 live Premier League clashes across the 2026/27 season, with more than 1,500 games from the EFL and beyond, plus F1, golf and darts. This introductory offer saves £384 compared to the standard price, with every package also providing 100 regular channels alongside free Netflix and discovery+ subscriptions.