Aluko apologises to Wright over male pundit comments

Eni Aluko, a former England striker, has apologized to Ian Wright for suggesting that he was concerned that he might prevent female journalists from pursuing broadcasting opportunities.

Aluko stated in an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour that Wright needs to take note of how hard he works in women’s football and that there are only “afinite amounts of opportunities” for women.

The 38-year-old former Chelsea player’s comments have since been subject to scrutiny.

In a statement on Instagram, she wrote, “Ian Wright is a brilliant broadcaster and role model whose support for the women’s game has been significant.”

Former Arsenal and England striker Wright has regularly worked as a pundit for women’s football, with a particular focus on Lionesses games.

In my interview with Woman’s Hour this week, Aluko said, “I was trying to make a broader point about the lack of opportunities for women in football, whether that’s in coaching, broadcasting, or commercial spaces.

“But I sincerely apologize for the fact that Ian’s name was raised in that conversation.” I’ve known and worked with Ian for many years, but all I can say is “love and respect him””.

Aluko, who has worked as a pundit alongside Wright, claimed in her Woman’s Hour interview that he is a “brilliant broadcaster” but that he “should be aware of how much he’s doing in the women’s game.”

When asked if Wright should cover women’s football, Aluko responded, “I don’t know about it being wrong, but I think we need to be conscious and make sure that women aren’t being prevented from having a pathway into broadcasting in the women’s game.