ITV behind Ian Wright in latest turn of events as Eni Aluko’s career as a football pundit in danger of ending.
ITV backs Ian Wright as punditry row casts doubt over Eni Aluko’s future.
Last Wednesday, Aluko said Wright “should be aware of” how much punditry work he was doing in women’s football and that it was important “women are not being blocked from having a pathway into broadcasting in the women’s game”.
Wright responded to the former England and Chelsea forward’s apologies on Instagram on Friday by stating that he could not accept it on the same platform on Saturday.
For years, the two have collaborated as commentators for ITV’s coverage of England’s men’s and women’s matches.
An ITV spokesperson said: “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.”
Aluko’s status in the punditry ranks will be further questioned in light of ITV’s comment. With joint live rights with the BBC for the Lionesses’ defence of the European Championship in Switzerland the following month and exclusive live rights to the England men’s World Cup qualifiers in June, the broadcaster has a busy summer of football.
Wright will participate in the event even though ITV has not yet revealed its presenting team, as he did during its coverage of the qualifiers.
Thirty-five years after coming off the bench to score twice for Palace in a 3-3 draw with Manchester United in the FA Cup final, ITV has revealed that Wright will be included in its final squad when his former club, Crystal Palace, plays Manchester City next month.
“I’ve got to say I’m very disappointed by what Eni has said,” Wright said. “She knows how I’ve helped her, supported her publicly. And I know the previous conversations she’s had with me and my management. So, for me, I’ve seen your apology on social media, but I can’t accept it. But I also want to move on from it.”