Eni Aluko Accuses Ian Wright of Blocking Female Pundits’ Opportunities by ‘Dominating’ Women’s Football Coverage

Eni Aluko has accused Arsenal legend Ian Wright of hindering opportunities for female pundits in women’s football.

The former British-Nigerian footballer, 38, criticized Wright, who has been a strong advocate for the women’s game, claiming that his actions are blocking the advancement of female pundits in the football broadcasting space.

Speaking on Radio Four’s Women’s Hour, the former England and Chelsea forward said: ‘I’ve worked with Ian a long time and, you know, 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. If we had a situation where there was an equal opportunity in the men’s game for broadcasters and coaches that there is in the women’s game, it’s a free for all.

‘But that’s not the case. I can’t dominate the men’s game in the way that, you know, you used Ian as an example.’

When asked to clarify if she thinks it is wrong for Wright, 61, to be a figure at the forefront of coverage of women’s football, Aluko added: ‘I don’t know about wrong, but I think we need to be conscious and we need to make sure that women are not being blocked from having a pathway into broadcasting in the women’s game.

‘It’s still new, it’s still growing. There’s a finite amount of opportunities and I think that men need to be aware of that.

‘Men need to be aware that, you know, 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.’

Wright launched a podcast with Steph Houghton last year focused on women’s football and frequently discusses the topic with Kelly Cates on BBC.

He has also been vocal in supporting female pundits who have faced abuse, emphasizing that they “deserve” their roles and expressing his embarrassment over the vitriol directed at them.

Aluko, along with Alex Scott and Karen Carney, is one of the female pundits who have been targeted by online abuse.