Eni Aluko issues apology to Ian Wright over Women’s football punditry comments
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Eni Aluko has publicly apologised to Ian Wright following her recent remarks suggesting he was “blocking” female pundits from securing broadcasting roles in women’s football.
Aluko, a former England international and veteran broadcaster, had criticised the prominence of male pundits in the women’s game during an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour earlier this week. She specifically referenced Wright, describing him as “dominating” coverage of women’s football and urging him to “be aware” of the volume of his work in the sport.
“What we don’t want is a repeat dominance of men in the women’s game, as broadcasters, as coaches, earning more money than women when we can’t do the same in the men’s game,” Aluko said during the interview. “I would never be able to usurp Gary Neville or Jamie Carragher… I think the same should apply in the women’s game.”
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Although Aluko acknowledged Wright’s talent and experience, her comments sparked backlash from fans and media figures alike, with many highlighting Wright’s longstanding advocacy for women’s football.
Eni Aluko has apologised to Ian Wright for suggesting he risked blocking female pundits from getting opportunities in broadcasting. pic.twitter.com/mixPZRoc6J
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) April 25, 2025
Wright, a former Arsenal and England striker, has been widely praised for his efforts to support the women’s game. Notably, he funded the rehabilitation of Stoke City player Kayleigh McDonald after she suffered an ACL injury, reportedly paying £1,700 per month for her treatment. He has also donated £15,000 to establish a coaching fund with Barclays, helping train hundreds of new female grassroots coaches.
In a statement released following the criticism, Aluko admitted it was a mistake to mention Wright’s name in her broader argument about the lack of opportunities for women in football.
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“Ian Wright is a brilliant broadcaster and role model whose support for the women’s game has been significant,” she said. “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.”
Eni Aluko, who became the first woman to appear as a pundit on Match of the Day in 2014, has been a key figure in both playing and broadcasting roles in women’s football.
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