Eni Aluko, former England international and a well-known football pundit, has stepped down from her role as co-host of this year’s Women’s Football Awards following a public backlash over comments she made about fellow ITV pundit and former Arsenal striker Ian Wright.
The decision marks a significant moment for Aluko, who has been a central figure at the event since its inception. Her withdrawal comes just days before the awards ceremony, as a heated exchange with Wright continues to spark debate across the football world.
What Happened Between Eni Aluko and Ian Wright?
The controversy began after Aluko made remarks during an appearance on BBC Radio 4. In a discussion about women’s representation in football media, she spoke about the limited roles available for female pundits and coaches in the sport. While trying to make a wider point about the structural barriers that still exist for women in football, Aluko named Ian Wright as an example of a male figure whose presence might unintentionally block opportunities for women.
Her words triggered immediate backlash online and in the media. Many felt it was unfair to single out Wright, who is widely known for being an outspoken supporter of the women’s game.
Shortly after the interview aired, Eniola Aluko issued a public apology. In her statement, she said:
“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.”
Ian Wright, however, was not satisfied with the apology. He took to Instagram to share his disappointment and frustration, stating:
“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.”
Aluko Bows Out of the Awards Ceremony
Amid growing scrutiny and what her mother described as a “traumatising” experience, Aluko announced that she would not be co-hosting the Women’s Football Awards this year. She had originally been scheduled to host the event in London alongside sports presenters Gabby Logan and Jamie Carragher.
In a heartfelt statement shared on Instagram, Eniola Aluko wrote:
“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, and 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.”
Following her announcement, Aluko’s name and image were removed from all promotional materials for the awards.
Broader Reactions and Wright’s Role in Women’s Football
ITV, which employs both Aluko and Wright, issued a strong statement of support for Ian Wright. The broadcaster said his “standing in the sport is beyond question,” backing the 61-year-old as someone who has long contributed positively to football, including the women’s game.
Wright’s support for female footballers has been well documented. One notable example is his personal help to Stoke City defender Kayleigh McDonald. After she suffered a ruptured ACL, her club refused to pay for her surgery. Wright stepped in, hiring a sports lawyer to advocate on her behalf and later paying for her rehabilitation himself — a cost McDonald revealed was around £1,700 per month.
The decision marks a significant moment for Aluko, who has been a central figure at the event since its inception. Her withdrawal comes just days before the awards ceremony, as a heated exchange with Wright continues to spark debate across the football world.
What Happened Between Eni Aluko and Ian Wright?
The controversy began after Aluko made remarks during an appearance on BBC Radio 4. In a discussion about women’s representation in football media, she spoke about the limited roles available for female pundits and coaches in the sport. While trying to make a wider point about the structural barriers that still exist for women in football, Aluko named Ian Wright as an example of a male figure whose presence might unintentionally block opportunities for women.
Her words triggered immediate backlash online and in the media. Many felt it was unfair to single out Wright, who is widely known for being an outspoken supporter of the women’s game.
Shortly after the interview aired, Eniola Aluko issued a public apology. In her statement, she said:
“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.”
Ian Wright, however, was not satisfied with the apology. He took to Instagram to share his disappointment and frustration, stating:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DI6owibMbLI/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/p/DI6owibMbLI/?hl=en
“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.”
Aluko Bows Out of the Awards Ceremony
Amid growing scrutiny and what her mother described as a “traumatising” experience, Aluko announced that she would not be co-hosting the Women’s Football Awards this year. She had originally been scheduled to host the event in London alongside sports presenters Gabby Logan and Jamie Carragher.
In a heartfelt statement shared on Instagram, Eniola Aluko wrote:
“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, and 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.”
Following her announcement, Aluko’s name and image were removed from all promotional materials for the awards.
Broader Reactions and Wright’s Role in Women’s Football
ITV, which employs both Aluko and Wright, issued a strong statement of support for Ian Wright. The broadcaster said his “standing in the sport is beyond question,” backing the 61-year-old as someone who has long contributed positively to football, including the women’s game.
Wright’s support for female footballers has been well documented. One notable example is his personal help to Stoke City defender Kayleigh McDonald. After she suffered a ruptured ACL, her club refused to pay for her surgery. Wright stepped in, hiring a sports lawyer to advocate on her behalf and later paying for her rehabilitation himself — a cost McDonald revealed was around £1,700 per month.
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