Former England and Chelsea striker, Eni Aluko, has recently issued an apology to Ian Wright. This follows her comments suggesting that the ex-Arsenal and England striker's involvement in women's football broadcasting could potentially hinder female pundits from securing opportunities within the industry.
In a candid interview with BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour, Aluko expressed concerns over the limited opportunities available for women in sports broadcasting. She pointed out that there are only a "finite amount of opportunities" for women and urged Wright to be mindful of his role within women's football.
Aluko’s comments have since been met with criticism, leading her to face scrutiny from various quarters. Despite acknowledging Wright as a "brilliant broadcaster", she suggested he should be more conscious of his influence in the women’s game. Following relentless backlash from fans and alleged termination threats from ITV executives, Aluko has issued an apology for her remarks.
Former Chelsea striker, Eni Aluko, said:
"Ian Wright is a brilliant broadcaster and role model whose support for the women's game has been significant. In my interview with Woman's Hour this week, I was trying to make a broader point about the limited opportunities for women in football - whether that's in coaching, broadcasting or commercial spaces - and the importance of creating more space for women to thrive on and off the pitch,"
"But it was wrong for Ian's name to be raised in that conversation, and for that I sincerely apologise. I've known and worked with Ian for many years and have nothing but love and respect for him."
Advocacy for women’s football
Ian Wright has been known as an advocate for women’s football throughout his career. He regularly works as a pundit focusing particularly on Lionesses matches - England national team games. His dedication towards promoting and supporting the sport is well-recognized within the industry. Aluko herself has worked alongside him as a pundit on several occasions which makes her comments even more surprising given their professional relationship.
Aluko stressed during her interview: "It's still new, it's still growing. There's a finite amount of opportunities and I think men need to be aware of that." Her statement underscores how important it is for everyone involved in sports broadcasting – regardless of gender – to be aware of the potential barriers that could prevent women from entering the field.
While Aluko's comments have sparked controversy, they also highlight an important issue within sports broadcasting. As women's football continues to grow and gain recognition, it is essential to ensure that opportunities for female pundits and commentators are not overshadowed by their male counterparts. This will require a conscious effort from all involved in the industry, including established figures like Ian Wright.
