Frequently Asked Questions

The Match of the Day and Football Focus editors post regularly about the show on BBC Sport's editors' blog.

They try to answer questions about the show and give an insight into how we bring the coverage to you, and we have summarised the answers below.

If you have a specific question that has not already been answered, please email us using the form on the right-hand side.

All complaints about the BBC, our programmes and services should be sent via our Complaints site:

bbc.co.uk/complaints

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Running orders Scheduling

Red button or web alternative

Music Clock

Commentators Autographs

Copies of the show

RUNNING ORDERS

HOW DO YOU DECIDE THE RUNNING ORDER FOR MATCH OF THE DAY?

The Match of the Day editor explains at length in this entry.

WHY IS MY TEAM ALWAYS LAST ON MATCH OF THE DAY?

Since regaining the Premiership highlights rights in August 2004, our aim has been to provide a more comprehensive review of Saturday's Premiership action. It's our intention that we do not show less than five minutes of a game - in fact we frequently show more.

The running order for each programme is determined by the day's big stories, talking points and most entertaining games. There is certainly no perceived bias against or in favour of certain teams. Each match takes its place in the running order on its own merit. And it is precisely for that reason that we send a commentator to every Premiership game on Saturdays and Sundays. The Match of the Day editor explains more here.

The show is always transmitted live which means plans may change at the last minute if there is a big story.

WEBSITE/RED BUTTON ALTERNATIVES

WHY ISN'T MATCH OF THE DAY OFFERED ON iPLAYER/ON DEMAND ON THE WEBSITE/AS A VIDEO PODCAST?

Both Match of the Day and Football Focus are simulcast on the website every weekend - but we can't offer the programme on demand throughout the week or on iPlayer because the BBC don't have the rights to show Premiership action on the web outside of live broadcasts.

Find out how to watch Match of the Day on the BBC Sport website here.

WHY CAN'T I FIND THE LINK TO WATCH MATCH OF THE DAY/FOOTBALL FOCUS ON THE WEBSITE?

Match of the Day and Football Focus are only streamed live, not on-demand (see above). If you can't find the live stream of these programmes, it may be because your ISP is not on the list of providers supported by the BBC Sport Player, or the list of IP addresses provided by your ISP is not up to date.

You should contact your service provider who should have all the necessary information to assist you.

The FAQ section also has more information about what to do if you are still experiencing problems.

WHY CAN'T YOU PUT THE SHOW ON THE RED BUTTON, OR OFFER LONGER EDITS OF EACH MATCH ON THE RED BUTTON?

Sky bought the UK rights to interactive coverage of the Premiership so we are unable to offer either a repeat, or longer edits or analysis of individual games, via the red button.

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE FOOTBALL FOCUS VIDEO PODCAST?

The Focus podcast was part of a BBC-wide video podcast trial which has now come to an end. The BBC are using the results of the trial to decide how to proceed. We will be making a decision on our next steps later in the year.

MUSIC

CAN I DOWNLOAD THE MATCH OF THE DAY THEME TUNE?

Unfortunately the BBC does not actually own the rights to the MOTD theme tune and therefore, for copyright reasons, we can't put it on the web.

HOW CAN I FIND OUT THE MUSIC USED IN A SHOW?

If you have a question about music please check here.

You can find out more about the process behind picking a piece on music for BBC Sport here.

SCHEDULING

WHY DON'T YOU SHOW A REPEAT OF MOTD LATER ON A SUNDAY

The repeat has to be off-air before 10.30am, so a "Goals on Sunday" or pre-"Sunday Grandstand" slot on BBC ONE is not an option, as explained here.

WHY DO YOU NOT SHOW A LONGER EDIT OF THE SUNDAY MATCH IN MOTD2?

Unfortunately we're only allowed contractually to show ten minutes of match action from a Sunday live game.

WHY IS THERE A MIDWEEK MOTD SOME WEEKS BUT NOT OTHERS?

Unless special dispensation is agreed, under our current contract, there have to be at least six Premiership fixtures in a given midweek for us to be allowed to mount a programme.

WHY DOES THE TIME MOTD IS BROADCAST CHANGE?

Generally the show is on air at 2230 on Saturdays and 2200 on Sunday, though there are the odd exceptions.

CLOCK

WHY DON'T YOU PUT A CLOCK ON ALL MATCH EDITS?

A clock on each Match of the Day edit would require a separate graphics operation to superimpose the time live on each game. At present one graphics source puts the graphics on all matches once they're edited. Any changes would therefore be very costly. It would also lead to the clock jumping dozens of times during an edit as we pull up close-ups, replays and set pieces.

The issue is debated here.

COMMENTATORS

DO YOU HAVE A COMMENTATOR AT EVERY MATCH?

Yes, we send a commentator to every Saturday and Sunday match, as Match of the Day editor Paul Armstrong explains here.

COPIES OF PROGRAMMES

CAN YOU SEND ME A COPY OF A PROGRAMME?

Unfortunately we are unable to make copies for viewers who were in the crowd or in shot, or for those who simply missed the programme.

We can only make copies where you made a significant contribution, such as mascots leading out teams. If that's the case then please contact the BBC's Contributor Access service via email at [e-mail] or telephone [phone].

AUTOGRAPHS

CAN I HAVE GARY LINEKER'S AUTOGRAPH?

If you want a signed photograph of any BBC Sport presenter or pundit, please send a self-addressed envelope to:

BBC Sport: autograph request
Room 5070 (football unit)
Television Centre
Wood Lane
London W12 7RJ.