Eni Aluko warns Ian Wright for involvement in covering women’s football and blocking the women’s pundica

Eni Aluko expressed concern about the prominent role of Ian Wright in the women’s football media, suggesting that his presence can limit the possibilities for women’s participants trying to break into the industry.

Former English and Chelsea striker addressed the need to make men working in women’s football, keeping in mind the visibility they occupy.

“I worked with Ian for a long time and, you know, I think it’s a great television, but I think he’s aware of how much he works in a women’s game. I think he should be aware of that,” she said.

“The fact is that a limited amount of space is available. If we had a situation where there were equal opportunities for the emitters and coaches that exists in the women’s game in the men’s game, this is free for everyone.

“But that’s not the case. I can’t dominate a male play in a way that you know, Ian used as an example.”

When asked if Wright is inappropriate to be such a central figure in women’s football coverage, Aluko added: “I do not know wrong, but I think we have to be aware and we must make sure that women are not blocked that they have a way to broadcast in a women’s game.”

Aluko and Wright worked side by side as experts, including during broadcasts such as qualifying for women in the 2021 World Cup. However, Aluko believes that it takes greater consideration that women have the same approach.

🚨 Aluko accused Ian Wright of blocked by women’s punditas by “dominating” the female football covering. 🤯

(Source: @MailSport) pic.twitter.com/5wooxqzxsy

– Live News Transfer (@Deadlinedaylive) April 2, 2025

“It’s still new, still growing. There is a final amount of possibilities and I think men need to be aware of it.

“Men must be aware that, you know, in growing sports, growing sports for women, and we have not always had these opportunities, so it is about the consciousness and support of other women that way.”

Wright’s work for a women’s game

Wright was very loud in his support for a woman’s game, launching Podcast with former English captain Steph Houghton and often appeared with Kelly Cates to talk about women’s football at the BBC.

It was also revealed that Wright paid for ACL rehabilitation ACL -AA Kayleigh McDonald’s cattle, adding £ 1,700 a month from his own pocket after the club reduced the funds.

He had previously condemned the abuse aimed at female pundica, stating that they “deserve” their place in broadcasting and that he felt “uncomfortable” with the criticism they receive.

Barton Saga

Aluko, along with his fellow emisteries like Alex Scott and Karen Carney, faced internet abuse – some of which are currently in the center of a legal battle with Joey Barton.

Former English attacker Eni Aluko won the first stage of her cases of defamation against former footballer Joey Barton.

Barton was previously targeting Aluka on social media, accusing her of “playing a racing card,” which resulted in threats to violence and abuse toward her. pic.twitter.com/toy0feotge

– DW Sports (@dw_sports) April 10, 2025

He sued his former midfielder Manchester City and Newcastle for two posts on social media since January 2023, and the referee ruled that he carried one of Barton’s tweets by a defamation meaning, calling it a “racing card player.”

Despite the initial verdict in her favor – waiting for a possible appeal to Barton – Aluko thinks her media career suffered as a result.

“It happens in many industries – when women are advocating for themselves, their career hits,” she said.

“I have been broadcasting for 11 years. I’m not new to it. And in the last 18 months I have made the least TV I’ve ever worked.

“It’s just a fact. It’s not a feeling, it’s an opinion. It’s a fact. So, I think people can get their own conclusions from that.”

She also pointed out a broader issue of unequal opportunities and in male and female football roles.

“There is a double standard in which there is still a limited amount of opportunities for women, women’s shows, both in a male and female game.

“We still compete in two or three places maximum, which includes presentations.”