Eni Aluko quits presenting job after Ian Wright row as she issues statement | Football | Sport
Eni Aluko has announced that she will no longer be presenting the Women’s Football Awards following her public row with Ian Wright. The former Lionesses forward sparked controversy last week by accusing Wright of ‘blocking opportunities for women’ in women’s football. Her comments prompted a major backlash, with Aluko quickly backing down and apologising.
Wright, however, was not having it and refused to accept her apology. In a video message on Instagram, the Arsenal icon said he was ‘very disappointed’ but urged the public to move on from the incident. ITV also issued a strong statement in support of Wright, insisting that his ‘standing in the sport is beyond question’. Aluko was due to host the upcoming Women’s Football Awards alongside Gabby Logan and Jamie Carragher, but has announced that she has stepped back from the role in light of recent events.
In a statement, she said: “The Women’s Football Awards hold a special place in my heart. It was the first time an event of this scale was created solely to celebrate the incredible achievements in women’s football.
“I’m so proud to have been part of it since the beginning. However, I’ve decided to take a step back from being part of the hosting lineup this year.
“I don’t want anything to deflect from the joy, recognition, and celebration that this event is all about. This event belongs to the players, coaches, fans, and everyone who has worked tirelessly to elevate the women’s game.
“The awards will be hosted in the very capable hands of Gabby Logan and Jamie Carragher, who I know will bring their passion and energy to the stage. I love women’s football deeply, I’m proud of how far we’ve come and I’ll absolutely be back involved in the future.”
Aluko’s photograph has since been removed from the event’s promotional material, which now features only Logan and Carragher.
She made her controversial comments during a recent appearance on BBC Radio 4, suggesting that Wright being employed as a pundit for women’s football hampered the chances of female pundits coming into the industry.
Aluko later explained: “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 lan’s name to be raised in that conversation, and for that I sincerely apologise. I’ve known and worked with lan for many years and have nothing but love and respect for him.”
Responding to Aluko’s apology, Wright said: “I’ve got to say, I’m very disappointed about what Eni has said. She knows how I’ve helped her, supported her publicly, and I know the previous conversations she’s had with me and my management.
“I’ve seen the apology on social media, but I can’t accept it, but I also want to move on. For anyone watching this, I really don’t need any further social commentary directed on any of this.”
