BBC Adds Four Match of the Day Pundits and Launches New Football Shows

Thomas Frank, Ashley Young, Robbie Keane and Toby Alderweireld will join Match of the Day as pundits for the new men's football season, BBC Sport has announced. The broadcaster is also launching four programmes on its BBC Football YouTube channel as part of a wider expansion spanning television, radio and digital platforms.

The four new YouTube formats are FANS², The Truth About Football, Golden Goal and Football Hub. BBC Sport said supporters will have a larger role in its output through a new Fan Collective bringing together representatives of all 20 Premier League clubs. Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski said the plan combines the experience of former players and managers with the perspectives of supporters.

The incoming pundit group carries extensive experience from club and international football. Frank previously managed Brentford and Tottenham and appeared on the BBC's World Cup coverage during the summer. Young, Keane and Alderweireld add the viewpoints of former players whose careers included long spells in the Premier League and senior international competition.

BBC Radio 5 Live will provide commentary on 209 Premier League matches during the season, according to the broadcaster. Its radio schedule will also include the Champions League, Scottish Premiership, FA Cup, men's League Cup and international fixtures. Match of the Day will continue its weekly Premier League highlights coverage across BBC television and iPlayer.

The BBC also confirmed it will show two matches from every round of the FA Cup and one Bundesliga game each week through iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app. Highlights and clips will be offered from La Liga, Serie A, the Europa League and international matches involving Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Kelly Somers' The Football Interview will continue across BBC One, iPlayer, YouTube and the BBC Sport website and app.

Regional coverage forms another part of the schedule. BBC Scotland will carry Scotland men's internationals, selected Scottish Cup ties and Premiership highlights, while selected Cymru Premier matches will be available on iPlayer. BBC Sport Northern Ireland has agreed a new three-year deal with the Irish FA and Northern Ireland Football League and said it will broadcast every Northern Ireland senior men's international through June 2028. Together, the additions broaden the BBC's football offering before the domestic season begins.