Sky Sports Stuns Staff with Abrupt Cancellation of Long-Running Show - INSIDE SPORTS

• The widely watched program aired each Monday but will now be removed from broadcasting.
• During his tenure at Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp became a familiar face on the show.
• Hear This Out: The Frenzy Begins! Could Oliver Glasner Depart from Palace for Tottenham?

There is widespread disappointment at Sky's studios in Osterley following the unexpected decision to cancel The Football Show, a beloved and longstanding program that aired every Monday on Sky Sports News.

Esteemed host Rob Wotton regularly welcomed Stephen Warnock and Sue Smith every week to delve into and debate the key topics emerging from the previous weekend’s events.

Warnock and Smith's insights were always precise. The group was completed by a former. Premier League official Dermot Gallagher for an hour-long section called 'Ref Watch' and the quartet never shied away from looking at controversial decisions.

Jurgen Klopp , when he was Liverpool manager, was a regular viewer and enjoyed the views of 'Mr Dermot'.

However, SSN has opted to take down this smart program, driven by their desire to attract a more youthful viewership prompting this decision. YouTube celebrities and enthusiasts who have large audiences.

Many people inside the structure are confused about the course being taken, though those within Sky claim these alterations aim to make them more flexible and capable of focusing. breaking news stories across platforms.

'Ref Watch' and several other components of the show are anticipated to stay intact but in altered forms.

Seven reporters and presenters are leaving the channel in the wake of a recent restructure.

Hey, Jobe!

Many viewers will have noticed that Jobe Bellingham, brother of Jude, had his Christian name rather than his surname on the back of his shirt at Wembley. Players can ask for a 'appropriate variation' should they wish at the start of the season.

It is believed that The Black Cats' player wearing jersey number seven made this request to establish his individuality separate from his elder sibling.

INEOS committed to United

Considering this lackluster season, rumors have been circulating about whether the Qatari group that previously attempted to acquire Manchester United but was unsuccessful might be interested again.

Mail Sport reported on Sheikh Jassim's offer, however, it seems there is minimal interest in pursuing this at present due to how negotiations went with the Glazer clan.

Nevertheless, Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS group does not plan to relinquish their minority stake.

Incoming regulator chief impresses

Spectators in the Royal Box during the Championship playoff on Saturday were left wondering whether it was a clever tactical decision by EFL executives to place newly appointed football regulatory chairman David Kogan beside Sharon Brittan.

The chairman of the Bolton Wanderers is known for being outspoken and will surely have scrutinized the upcoming official with great attention.

While there remain concerns over the process behind the appointment of the former Premier League chief media rights advisor, he impressed some of those in the room.

'He's his own man who gets things done and is not someone who hides behind rules and regs guy,' said an exec from one EFL club.

Flying without a parachute

Sunderland's victory was good news and bad news for the EFL. Good news in that it was a rare promotion from a club not benefiting from parachute payments. Bad news in that it left another that does in the Championship for next season.

Ping-pong politics

Big sports politics are afoot in the imminent World Table Tennis presidential elections. The incumbent is one of only two female world sport presidents and is being challenged by a wealthy Qatari.

Having worked so hard to get a female as his successor for IOC President, it is no surprise that Thomas Bach has just attended the World Table Tennis Championships in Qatar to help lobby for the Swedish president, Petra Sorling.

Bach is understood to have also met with Qatar's Emir, himself an IOC Member. The German may well have asked for his support - reminding him that the host for 2036 Olympic Games is still not yet decided.

Everyone's attention is now on whether the Qatari contender decides to step down from the election.

England IT gaffe

Several supporters of England's male squad found themselves puzzled last week when they purchased tickets intending to see Thomas Tuchel’s team face Andorra, but instead received an email confirming their attendance at the match between England's female team and France.

The issue was attributed to an IT glitch and swiftly resolved.

Johnson aims to construct bridges

James Johnson, who revealed last month that he would step down from his position as the head of Football Australia, has now been named CEO at Canadian Soccer Business (CSB). This appointment comes ahead of a significant year for the country as they prepare to co-host the World Cup.

CSB was founded in 2018 and encompasses all the commercial partnerships and media rights for both the Canada Soccer national teams as well as the Canadian Premier League.

Johnson has pledged to maximize the potential for Canadian soccer and maintains strong connections within the CONCACAF zone. He previously collaborated with the confederation’s president, Victor Montagliani, on FIFA's Football Stakeholder Committee.

It is known that Johnson's initial call following his appointment at CSB last week was to Kevin Blue, who serves as both the CEO and General Secretary of Canada Soccer.

The agreement between CSB and Canadian Soccer has faced intense backlash over the past few years. The move towards engagement with the federation reflects Johnson’s resolve to mend fences and capitalize on the international attention that will shine on Canada in 2026 and thereafter.

Contributor: Dominic King

Read more