ITV has publicly responded to the disagreement between Ian Wright and Eni Aluko, expressing unequivocal support for the Arsenal legend.
Aluko had accused Wright of “blocking” advancements for women in football broadcasting. The former England international later apologized for her remarks, but Wright declined to accept it.
Now, ITV, which has featured both Wright and Aluko as analysts, has issued a statement firmly standing by the former Match of the Day pundit.
ITV`s statement read: “Ian`s standing in the sport is beyond question. As one of the UK’s most respected and much-loved footballers and sporting broadcasters, with a career spanning nearly four decades, Ian is an incredible advocate, ally and brilliant broadcaster of women’s football from a grassroots level as well as at the highest international competitions.”
The broadcaster`s firm stance could potentially impact Aluko`s future punditry roles, particularly with ITV, where Wright holds significant popularity.
ITV holds exclusive live broadcast rights for England men’s World Cup qualifiers in June and shares coverage of the European Women`s Championship in Switzerland with the BBC, where England aims to defend their title.
The controversy started last week when Aluko, speaking on BBC Radio 4, highlighted the importance of men being aware of the limited opportunities available for female pundits.
She stated: “I’ve worked with Ian a long time and I think he’s a brilliant broadcaster, but I think he’s aware of just how much he’s doing in the women’s game. I think he should be aware of that… The fact of the matter is, there is a limited amount of spaces available… Men need to be aware that you’re in a growing sport, a growing sport for women, and we haven’t always had these opportunities, and so it’s about the awareness and supporting other women through that pathway.”
Following a public backlash, Aluko, 38, issued a public apology to Wright, stating she had “nothing but love and respect” for him.
However, the 61-year-old former Arsenal striker, who worked alongside Aluko at the 2022 World Cup, found it difficult to accept her apology. Wright acknowledged the historical negative impact men have had on limiting the women`s game but emphasized he values his role as a pundit greatly.
Wright commented: “I`m very disappointed by what Eni has said. She knows how I have helped her and 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 from it. I don`t need any further social commentary directed at anyone.”
He added that the focus should be on the collective effort for the women`s game, recognizing the historical ban by men and ongoing systemic challenges. Wright reiterated his commitment to giving back to the sport and thanked those who had publicly supported him.
Marcus Bellamy