Eni Aluko Reignites Ian Wright Feud with 'Disrespect' Claim
Former England Lionesses star Eni Aluko has publicly addressed the ongoing fallout from comments she made about Arsenal legend Ian Wright last year, questioning why the football icon has refused to accept her apology. The dispute centers on Aluko's criticism of broadcasters using male pundits for women's football coverage.
Aluko's Criticism and Wright's Response
Aluko, 38, initially hit out at Wright in 2025 when she accused him of 'blocking opportunities' for women due to his prominent role in covering the women's game. The former England attacker subsequently apologized to Wright both publicly and privately, but the Match of the Day pundit responded by stating he could not accept her apology.
Nine months later, Aluko has taken to social media to address the continuing saga, claiming Wright's name has been 'weaponized' against her while criticizing his handling of the incident.
The Dispute Over Punditry Opportunities
"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 in a video on Instagram. "When I apologized to Ian Wright publicly and privately he had an opportunity to show the grace and the allyship that he showed to many other people."
Aluko added: "Unfortunately, my sincerity, my humility, was met with disrespect."
In a second video, the former footballer stated: "I've always been the person who ignores, whether I like that person or not, and you work together and move on. I'm putting it out there that I'm more than open to a conversation with Ian Wright."
Background to the Controversy
The controversy originated from Aluko's appearance on the 90s Baby Show podcast, where she discussed the punditry line-up for the Women's Euro 2025 final. She pointed out that herself and Fara Williams, both of whom won over 100 caps for England during their playing careers, were not selected to present the final.
Aluko was part of ITV's coverage for the tournament but was not used in the final. Wright covered the game for ITV, while former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha was part of the BBC panel.
"Last year, at the Women's Lionesses final, I'm sat in the stands, I wasn't on ITV for the final," Aluko explained. "Fara Williams was sat next to me, Fara Williams has 170 caps for England, something ridiculous, I think she's the most-capped player, she's sat in the stands."
Aluko continued: "The two broadcasters that had the rights for the game – ITV and BBC – on BBC you've got Ellen White, Steph Houghton and Nedum Onuoha... Let's go over to ITV, I'm in the stands with 105 caps, so you've got two women, between us we've got 290 caps, something ridiculous, you turn over to ITV and it's Ian Wright, Emma Hayes and Kaz Carney."
Laura Woods Enters the Debate
Laura Woods, one of ITV's leading sports presenters, appeared to disagree with Aluko's comments via social media on Monday morning. On X, she wrote: "Caps don't win automatic work and they don't make a brilliant pundit either. The way you communicate, articulate yourself, do your research, inform your audience, how likeable you are and the chemistry you have with your panel are what makes a brilliant pundit."
Woods added: "'The women's game should be by women for women,' is one of the most damaging phrases I've heard. It will not only drag women's sport backwards, it will drag women's punditry in all forms of the game backwards."
The presenter concluded: "If you want to grow something, you don't gate keep it. We want to encourage little boys and men to watch women's football too, not just little girls and women. And when they see someone like Ian Wright taking it as seriously as he does - they follow suit. That's how you grow a sport."
Aluko has maintained her position while expressing openness to reconciliation, stating: "I've said my piece. I've given more context. I've been quiet for a very long time. The public will have their own views and opinions, the media will have their own views and opinions. I don't live for that validation, anyway. So, (I'm) open to a conversation and if it happens, great. If it doesn't happen, life moves on."
