Eni Aluko steps down from awards role after Ian Wright backlash

Updated: 01 May, 2025 • 0 • min read

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Eni Aluko steps down from awards role after Ian Wright backlash

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Eni Aluko has confirmed she will no longer co-host the Women's Football Awards following a highly publicised row with fellow pundit Ian Wright.

The former Lioness, who was scheduled to present Thursday's ceremony in London alongside Gabby Logan and Jamie Carragher, announced her decision in a heartfelt Instagram statement.

It was the first time an event of this scale was created solely to celebrate the incredible achievements in women's football, and I'm so proud to have been part of it since the beginning.

However, I've decided to take a step back from being part of the hosting lineup this year.

I don't want anything to deflect from the joy, recognition, and celebration that this event is all about.

This event belongs to the players, coaches, fans, and everyone who has worked tirelessly to elevate the women's game.

The awards will be hosted in the very capable hands of Gabby and Jamie, who I know will bring their passion and energy to the stage.

I love women's football deeply, I'm proud of how far we've come, and I'll absolutely be back involved in the future.

The Fallout

The decision follows backlash over Aluko's recent comments on BBC Radio 4, where she claimed that Wright's prominent role in women's football punditry was "blocking opportunities" for female pundits.

The comments were met with widespread criticism online.

Aluko's Clarification

The 38-year-old explained her intent was to highlight the lack of opportunities for women in football media, not to target Wright personally.

I was trying to make a broader point about the limited opportunities for women in football, whether that's in coaching, broadcasting or commercial spaces, and the importance of creating more space for women to thrive on and off the pitch.

But it was wrong for Ian's name to be raised in that conversation, and for that I sincerely apologise. I've known and worked with Ian for many years and have nothing but love and respect for him.

She later apologised for her comments, but Wright was unimpressed by her accusation and chose not to accept her apology.

The Arsenal legend has been a big advocate of the women's game for a number of years and shown his support in a number of ways.

He recently helped fund rehab for Stoke City's Kayleigh McDonald after the club pulled support for her ACL recovery.

Wright paid for a sports lawyer to fight her case and is personally covering her £1,700-per-month rehab costs.

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