ITV has publicly addressed the dispute between Ian Wright and Eni Aluko, offering its full support to the former Arsenal star.
The controversy arose after Aluko accused Wright of limiting opportunities for women in football punditry.
While the former Lioness later issued an apology for her comments, Wright did not accept it.
Now, ITV, which employs both individuals as commentators, has released a statement specifically standing by the ex-Match of the Day analyst.
ITV`s statement read: “Ian’s standing in the sport is beyond question.”
The broadcaster added: “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.”
This strong statement from ITV may cast uncertainty over Aluko`s future as a pundit with the network, where Wright remains a very popular figure.
ITV currently holds exclusive live broadcasting rights for the England men’s World Cup qualifiers scheduled for June.
They also share rights with the BBC for the upcoming European Women`s Championship in Switzerland, a tournament where England will aim to defend their title.
The disagreement began last week when Aluko commented on BBC Radio 4`s Woman`s Hour about the importance of men being mindful of the limited “finite amount of opportunities” available to women pundits.
She stated: “I’ve worked with Ian a long time and 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.”
Aluko continued: “The fact of the matter is, there is a limited amount of spaces available… I can’t dominate the men’s game in the way that, you know, you used Ian as an example. Men need to be aware that 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.”
Following public reaction, Aluko, 38, issued a public apology to Wright, expressing “nothing but love and respect” for her colleague.
However, Wright, 61, a former striker for Arsenal who worked alongside Aluko at the 2022 World Cup, indicated that he could not accept her apology.
Wright acknowledged the historical impact of men on limiting the women`s game and stressed the value he places on his role as a pundit.
He commented: “I`m very disappointed by what Eni has said.”
He added: “She knows how I have helped her and supported her publicly, and I know the previous conversations she`s had with me and my management… I`ve seen the apology on social media, but I can`t accept it, but I also want to move on from it. I don`t need any further social commentary directed at anyone.”
Wright further elaborated on the state of women`s football: “The thing about where the women`s game is, it isn`t about me – it has to be about the collective… Because of the past, we know the men blocked the women`s game for 50 years, because of the past we know the game has serious systemic challenges, and it`s going to take everyone to help fixes… We are the country that invented modern football, so we have a responsibility, to lead the way in women`s football… We men are the ones that banned women`s football for 50 years, so we have to hold that one.”
He concluded by expressing gratitude for the support he has received: “I need to say to everyone who has spoken about it publicly and showed love and support, I say thank you… It`s something I do not take for granted.”
