Eniola Aluko facing axe from ITV following controversial Ian Wright comments

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Former England international Eniola Aluko is reportedly at risk of losing her role at ITV following controversial remarks about fellow broadcaster Ian Wright.

The 38-year-old, who has worked as a pundit across several major networks, sparked backlash this week after accusing Wright of “dominating” coverage of women’s football and potentially “blocking” opportunities for female pundits in the sport.

“I’ve worked with Ian a long time and, you know, I think he’s a brilliant broadcaster,” Aluko said in an interview. “But I think he’s aware of just how much he’s doing in the women’s game. The fact of the matter is, there is a limited amount of spaces available. If we had a situation where there was equal opportunity in the men’s game, it would be a free-for-all. But that’s not the case.”

Aluko clarified she wasn’t saying Wright’s involvement in the women’s game was “wrong,” but insisted that broadcasters should be “conscious” of ensuring women are not blocked from breaking through in a still-growing media space.

READ MORE: Ian Wright accused of hindering opportunities for women in broadcasting

However, according to a report by the Daily Mail, her comments have triggered serious concern within ITV, where Aluko is a familiar face in sports coverage. The broadcaster’s bosses are said to be “angry and bemused” by her remarks, which they view as both “ill-judged” and “disrespectful.”

A source told the Mail: “Aluko’s on very thin ice. ITV pride themselves on having a diverse roster of pundits and presenters, particularly when covering women’s football. To suggest Ian Wright is dominating or blocking opportunities is not only factually incorrect, it’s incredibly disrespectful considering his efforts to promote the women’s game.”

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The insider added that Aluko’s future at the network is now uncertain, with “serious discussions” underway about whether she will continue to feature on ITV’s programming.

Aluko, a trailblazer in both football and media, earned 105 caps for England and represented top clubs including Chelsea, Birmingham City, and Juventus during her career. She also appeared for Team GB at the 2012 London Olympics.

Neither ITV nor Aluko have officially commented on the reported internal discussions.

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