Eni Aluko has accused Ian Wright of limiting opportunities for female pundits by “dominating” in covering women’s football.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, Aluko acknowledged Wright’s brilliance as a broadcaster but argued that his extensive presence in women’s football punditry occupies space that could be filled by female voices.
Aluko clarified that she doesn’t believe it’s “wrong” for Wright to cover women’s football but urged male pundits to be “conscious” of the finite opportunities, ensuring women aren’t blocked from broadcasting pathways.
Wright is a vocal advocate for women’s football, regularly covering Lionesses matches on ITV, hosting a podcast with former England captain Steph Houghton, and anchoring events like the Women’s Euro 2025 draw.
He has also supported female players off-screen, notably funding rehab for Stoke City player Kayleigh McDonald’s ACL injury and advocating for equal access to school sports for girls.
Critics, including those on social media have called Aluko’s claims “unfair,” highlighting Wright’s contributions, with one user stating, “Ian Wright and what he does for women and women’s football is amazing!”
Eni Aluko accuses Ian Wright of blocking opportunities for female pundits by ‘dominating’ women’s football coverage https://t.co/gIMvq3iCPT
— Mail Sport (@MailSport) April 23, 2025
Eni Aluko said when on Radio Four’s Women’s Hour: ‘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 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.’
SEE MORE: Eni Aluko fears male pundits, coaches and agents are taking over women’s football
Aluko’s comments come amid her own challenges, including a libel case against Joey Barton, which she says has reduced her punditry appearances from 44 in 2023 to 27 in 2024, impacting her career. She also noted broader issues of sexism and misogyny in football, suggesting broadcasters need better duty of care for female pundits facing abuse.
However, data undermines Aluko’s claim of male dominance in women’s football punditry. Women like Karen Carney, Ellen White, and Alex Scott dominate coverage on networks like Sky Sports and BBC, with Wright being one of few male pundits, appearing in just one Women’s Super League match in 14 years. This suggests opportunities for women are more abundant than Aluko implies.
The debate reflects tensions in a growing sport where visibility and representation matter, but Wright’s track record shows he’s more ally than obstacle. Aluko’s critique may stem from personal frustrations, but it risks oversimplifying a complex issue.
This is how fans reacted on Twitter as Eni Aluko accuses Ian Wright of blocking opportunities for female pundits in women’s football…
@TAIEpodcast: 
Of course she has. Turning on the biggest advocate of women’s football. Has she no shame!? When will she realise, the issue with her not getting work is that she is just a shit pundit.
@mikejt67: I worked at a England ladies game a while back. Both were in attendance , end of the game she scuttles off as soon as the game was over. Ian Wright stayed for an hour in the stands having selfies etc with the fans.
@rebekkarnold: She could’ve hated on literally any other pundit and got support for it, but she chose IAN WRIGHT?
@lisa03865019: Give over. He’s one of the only male ex pros that actually gives a shit about women’s football. I’m more than happy when he’s a pundit for a game – men’s or women’s
@AFCMinded: No pleasing some people. You want more focus on the women’s game, he highlights the women’s game in a great way and then he’s told stop taking up focus on the women’s game. 
@balmer_tim: Wright has done more than any other prominent pundit to make women’s football mainstream. There are loads of female pundits. If Aluko isn’t getting work it’s nothing to do with him.
@HollMCR: Could easily argue women have been doing the same for male pundits on the men’s game. Stupid comment – throws fuel on the fire and the complains when she’s burnt. Ian’s done more for the perception of the women’s game than she has.
@p_franklin5: Come on Eni!! You are better than that. Wrighty loves the game – men or women’s – and he is what we need in the media for the good of the game and the coverage, especially women’s football. He knows his onions, he’s passionate and caring. We are lucky to have him
@nufcsean: Ian Wright is a massive advocate of the woman’s game and promotes it constantly. Moaning about him is the most tone deaf thing you could do.
@paulwradio: This would be the same Ian Wright who is a loud, passionate supporter of women’s football, who regularly praises and promotes female colleagues, who has created a fund for female coaches to train, who has paid for a female player’s ACL rehab? Eni. You’ve picked the wrong target.
@sarah_WBAx: I think you’ll find Ian Wright is a pundit in the women’s game because he’s a huge advocate of it and he has a wealth of football knowledge unlike you who moans constantly, knows next to fuck all about football and takes a pop at everyone, hope that clears up why 
@clivepafc: She does so much damage to the women who actually prepare to do a decent job as a pundit in an arena that’s stacked against them. Ian is a champion for the women’s game – he invests time and is incredibly knowledgable. I would like to advise Eni to read the room
@matty_mays: Probably the biggest male advocate for women’s football. Do me a favour 
HAVE YOUR SAY –
Do you agree or disagree with Eni Aluko? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or tweet us @fan_banter
Eni Aluko accuses Ian Wright of blocking opportunities for female pundits in women’s football – do you agree with her?#wsl #womensfootball
— Fan Banter (@fan_banter) April 24, 2025
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