Alex Scott has departed her presenting role with Disney+'s coverage of the Women's Champions League, with the move described as her own decision rather than a dismissal by the broadcaster.

The former England and Arsenal defender had led the streaming platform's coverage of Europe's top women's club competition since Disney+ acquired the broadcast rights for the tournament in 2025. Her exit comes as she shifts focus toward other commitments, notably her recently launched programme One More Word WSL, which she produces alongside fellow former England internationals Anita Asante and Fara Williams through her own company, First Cap Productions.

Disney+'s opening round of coverage drew scrutiny after a number of technical issues marred broadcasts, most notably an advert break that unexpectedly cut into the second half of Arsenal's 1-0 victory over HB Køge for over three minutes. Despite these production troubles, insiders indicate that Scott's working relationship with Disney remains amicable.

A Disney+ spokesperson expressed gratitude for Scott's time with the platform, stating: "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."

Representatives for Scott echoed that sentiment, noting that she valued her time working alongside the Disney+ team and hopes for potential future collaboration.

Scott, who turned 42 this week, built her broadcasting reputation over five seasons presenting the BBC's Football Focus before the show was axed earlier this year. She also fronted significant BBC sporting events, including the network's coverage of the 2020 Olympics, and is known to UK audiences from her stints on Strictly Come Dancing and I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!

Her new venture, One More Word, emerged at the start of this season's Women's Super League campaign as a direct response to the BBC's decision to discontinue its weekly WSL highlights programme. Speaking to the Observer earlier this month, Scott voiced frustration with persistent justifications used to sideline women's football broadcasting. "I feel like there's always an excuse about women's football shows not working because of the viewership or needing to save money," she said. "Whereas I think if they are done right, they can work, if things are given a fresh idea or a fresh format, they can work."

Addressing the criticism levelled at Disney's handling of the Women's Champions League broadcasts this season, Scott acknowledged disagreements with certain choices made behind the scenes, while defending her own efforts. "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," she said. "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."

Disney+ secured exclusive five-year broadcasting rights for the Women's Champions League across European territories last year, with production handled by ESPN. Following Scott's departure, the remaining presenting lineup is expected to stay intact, featuring Shebahn Aherne, Nedum Onuoha and Lianne Sanderson, supported by commentators including Vicki Sparks and Jacqui Oatley.

The competition is set to resume on 28 October, with Disney+ continuing its coverage without Scott at the helm.

Based on reporting from The Guardian.