Eni Aluko has stepped down from presenting the Women's Football Awards amid the ongoing fallout from her comments about Ian Wright. The former Lionesses star has faced a storm of criticism since accusing Wright of 'blocking opportunities for women' in women's football.
Her comments have prompted a major backlash, and her claims led to a swift apology from Aluko. Wright was left unimpressed by her accusations and chose not to accept her apology. In an Instagram video, the former Arsenal striker expressed his 'disappointment' but called for everyone to put the matter behind them.
ITV also issued a strong statement in support of Wright, insisting that his 'standing in the sport is beyond question'. Aluko's mother has claimed she has been left "traumatised" by the public fallout.
Aluko was set to co-host the prestigious Women's Football Awards on Thursday night. She had been due to present alongside Gabby Logan and Jamie Carragher. Instead she has decided to withdraw from the event.
In a statement, she said: "The Women's Football Awards hold a special place in my heart. It was the first time an event of this scale was created solely to celebrate the incredible achievements in women's football. 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 Logan and Jamie Carragher, 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."
Aluko's image has since been scrubbed from the event's promo materials, which now features only Logan and Carragher.
Her controversial remarks were made during a recent appearance on BBC Radio 4, where she implied that Wright's role as a commentator for women's football might impede female pundits' entrance into the sphere.
Aluko clarified her stance by saying: "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."
In response to Aluko's words, Wright said: "I've got to say, I'm very disappointed about what Eni has 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.
"I've seen the apology on social media, but I can't accept it, but I also want to move on. For anyone watching this, I really don't need any further social commentary directed on any of this."
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