Eni Aluko Reignites Dispute with Ian Wright Over Punditry Opportunities
Eni Aluko has reignited her war of words with Arsenal legend Ian Wright, claiming she has not received any pundit jobs alongside the former striker since he rejected her apology. The controversy stems from Aluko's suggestion last April that Wright's prominent role in broadcasting was making it more difficult for female pundits to secure opportunities in the industry.
The Initial Controversy and Apology
Speaking on BBC Radio Four's Women's Hour in April, Aluko stated: 'I've worked with Ian a long time and, you know, I think he's a brilliant broadcaster, but I think he's aware of just how much he's doing in the women's game. I think he should be aware of that.' She emphasized the need to ensure women are not blocked from pathways into broadcasting within women's football.
Aluko later issued a public apology to Wright, describing her comments as 'a mistake' and revealing she had also attempted to apologise privately. Wright responded by stating he could not accept the apology, a decision that Aluko now claims has led to ongoing repercussions.
Aluko's Latest Instagram Statements
In a recent Instagram video, Aluko asserted that Wright's name continues to be 'weaponised' against her nine months after the initial dispute. 'The reality is we had an opportunity nine months ago to quieten this, to have an adult conversation and talk about our different perspectives,' Aluko said.
She criticized Wright's response to her apology: 'When I apologised to Ian Wright publicly and privately he had an opportunity to show the grace and the allyship that he showed to many other people. And to prove that he's the ally that everybody says he is. Unfortunately, my sincerity, my humility, was met with disrespect.'
Aluko claimed Wright's refusal to accept her apology resulted in her being widely criticised, and in a follow-up video, she revealed she has not worked with Wright since their public fallout. 'I'm putting it out there that I'm more than open to a conversation with Ian Wright. I've said my piece. I've given more context. I've been quiet for a very long time,' she stated, adding that she does not seek validation from public or media opinions.
Broader Concerns About Male Pundits in Women's Football
Aluko expanded her criticism beyond Wright during an appearance on the 90s Baby Show podcast, expressing frustration about male pundits occupying prominent roles during major women's football events. She highlighted last summer's Women's Euros final, where she and former England player Fara Williams—with a combined 290 caps—were in the stands while male pundits featured on broadcast panels.
'Last year at the Women's Lionesses final, I'm sat in the stands, I wasn't on it for ITV for the final,' Aluko explained. 'Farah Williams was next to me. Farah Williams has 170 caps for England. The two broadcasters that had the rights, ITV, BBC. On BBC, you've got Ellen White, Steph Houghton and Nedum Onuoha. No offence to Nedum Onouha, nothing against him, I don't know whether he played for England or not. You're on the main panel for the final for England Women.'
She continued: 'Let's go over to ITV, I'm in the stands with 105 caps, so you have got two women with 290 caps, something ridiculous right. Right ITV, it's Ian Wright, Emma Hayes and Kaz Carney. So out of six spots, two have gone to men, meanwhile you have got 290 (caps) sitting in the stands.'
Aluko's Call for Gatekeeping and Representation
Aluko argued for greater gatekeeping in women's football, similar to practices in the men's game. 'From my perspective we didn't go through all of that blood, sweat and tears for women to now be second place in our own sport. What are we doing?' she questioned. 'The women's game should be by women, for women. Male allies should absolutely support that, but when it gets to the point where you are the main character of the show, we are just repeating the patriarchal stuff we have been fighting against.'
She emphasized her long-term commitment to women's football, stating she worked in the sport when it was not financially rewarding. 'Now we are reaping the rewards, I am like, women should be winning right now,' Aluko declared.
The Asymmetry of Opportunities
Aluko pointed out the disparity in opportunities between male and female pundits. 'I have never done a final and I am probably going to struggle to think of any woman, female pundit, who has done a men's major final,' she said, noting that while she has not been selected for a major men's final in eleven years of broadcasting, male pundits are increasingly taking premium spots in women's football.
'The limited opportunities in the women's game are now being taken by men, but we can't go into the men's game and take the same opportunities. We are stuck,' Aluko asserted. 'I can never do the men's final. The only way I have an opportunity to do a final is the women's final and now I can't do the women's final.'
She clarified that her criticism is not personal against Wright but about broader representation: 'What I represent for young girls who want to be footballers, who want to be broadcasters, is way more than Ian Wright represents. Again, I am not knocking Ian Wright, it is not even about him, it could be any man. It is really important that we keep an eye on premium opportunities.'
Reactions and Wider Context
Broadcaster Piers Morgan responded to Aluko's comments on social media, calling her 'insufferable' and stating: 'If she was ten times as talented as she thinks she is, she’d still be nowhere near the talent of Ian Wright - on or off the pitch.'
This dispute occurs against a backdrop of other challenges for Aluko. In November, she revealed her punditry work had diminished following social media attacks by Joey Barton, who received a suspended prison sentence for sending offensive messages to Aluko and others. Aluko expressed fears for her safety and indicated she was pursuing opportunities outside the UK.
Despite the controversy, Aluko was part of ITV's punditry team for the Women's Euros, though not for the final, while Wright featured in ITV's coverage of the semi-finals and final. Meanwhile, Karen Carney, another former England player, broke barriers by serving as a pundit for TNT Sports' coverage of the men's Champions League final last year.
Wright's representatives have been contacted for comment regarding Aluko's latest statements, but no response has been publicly reported at this time.
