Aluko pulls out of awards role after Wright criticism

Eni Aluko, a former England striker, has withdrawn from the Women’s Football Awards presentation role following her criticism of fellow pundit Ian Wright.

The 38-year-old criticised Wright last week, saying that he should be aware that there were only “fifteen opportunities” for female football journalists.

Aluko, a former Chelsea striker, has since offered an apology for her remarks, but Wright claimed he was “very disappointed” and “cannot accept” the apology.

The former England international and Arsenal icon has long been a proponent of the women’s game, appearing on television shows with an emphasis on Lionesses games, and received a lot of support after being criticized.

She said, “I’ve decided to step down from the hosting lineup this year.”

I don’t want to distract myself from the celebrations, recognition, and celebrations that surround this occasion. The players, coaches, fans, and everyone who has worked tirelessly to advance the women’s game deserve this occasion.

More than 137, 000 people have liked Wright’s Instagram post in response to Aluko’s comments, including England women’s players Mary Earps, Alessia Russo, and Alex Greenwood.

After a 15-year professional career that began at Crystal Palace in 1985, the 61-year-old said he will “always” try to return to the game of football.

The game has serious systemic challenges, according to Wright, who has worked alongside Aluko, because in the past, where men had been preventing women’s play for 50 years, they have been preventing it.

We have a responsibility to set the standard for women’s football because we are the nation that created modern football.