“Very disappointed”: Ian Wright speaks out on Eni Aluko comments, rejects apology

Ian Wright has said he “cannot accept” Eni Aluko’s apology after she accused him of blocking opportunities for women in football.

Aluko made the comments during an appearance on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, where she suggested Wright’s prominent role in women’s football punditry was limiting chances for female broadcasters.

She later issued a public apology to Wright on Instagram, admitting it was wrong to raise his name while discussing the challenges women face in the industry.

Wright, addressing the situation for the first time on social media, made clear he was disappointed and would not accept the apology.

“I have to talk about this week and what is going on, I do not want to endlessly be asked about it,” Wright said on Instagram.

“I am very disappointed about what Eni has said. She knows how I have helped her, supported her publicly, and I know the previous conversations she has had with me and my management.”

“I have seen the apology on social media, but I cannot accept it. However, I also want to move on.”

Wright stressed that attention should remain on the wider development of women’s football rather than personal disputes.

He highlighted the historical barriers women have faced in football and the collective responsibility needed to address systemic challenges.

Wright also thanked Kayleigh McDonald, a Stoke City player, who revealed he had been funding her rehabilitation after an ACL injury when her club withdrew financial support.

According to McDonald, Wright covered the £1,700 a month treatment costs and provided legal assistance, despite not knowing her personally.

Wright’s contributions to women’s football extend beyond punditry.

He helped launch the Ian Wright Coaching Fund with Barclays, aimed at boosting the number of female coaches at grassroots level, and made a personal donation of £15,000.

The initiative funded over 600 women to begin their Level One coaching qualifications.

Despite his high-profile presence covering major tournaments like the Women’s Euros, Wright has rarely featured in Women’s Super League broadcasts, having worked on just one WSL match this season.

Aluko, a former England international, had initially said she wanted male broadcasters to be more aware of their impact within the growing women’s game.

She later clarified her comments, denying that she attacked Wright and describing him as a “brilliant broadcaster and role model.”