Ian Wright's private feelings on Eni Aluko comments as ITV have final say
Ian Wright expresses indignation towards Eni Aluko's criticism of his dominance in women's football punditry roles.
In the wake of the England Women's Euro 2025 final victory against Spain, Ian Wright's feelings regarding Eni Aluko's remarks have come to the forefront. Aluko, a former England international herself, had previously criticized Wright for anchoring a significant portion of women's football commentary and suggested that he should step back to allow opportunities for female pundits. Despite her apology, reports suggest that Wright feels indignant and has chosen to remain silent on any subsequent communications from Aluko.
Aluko's comments, which she has reiterated multiple times, have sparked considerable discussion within the football community about representation in sports media. While she acknowledges Wright's contributions, her point emphasizes the need for more diverse voices—particularly from women—in the coverage of women’s sports. This conversation reflects a broader conversation regarding the roles of male pundits in women's football, highlighting ongoing tensions and discussions about equity in sports commentary.
Despite the public back-and-forth, it appears that ITV, as the broadcaster, has the final say in who provides commentary for events. This situation puts pressure on media companies to reflect on their programming choices and consider how they can better include diverse perspectives in their coverage. The outcome of this conflict may influence not only individual broadcasting decisions but also the wider representation of women in sports media moving forward.