Eni Aluko faces backlash over comments on male pundits
Eni Aluko has stirred controversy within the footballing community following remarks about male pundits in women’s football, reports BritPanorama.
The former England Lionesses star previously raised concerns by alleging that Ian Wright was “blocking opportunities” for female pundits by taking up roles during their matches, despite his consistent support for women’s football. This prompted a response from ITV, which described Wright as an “ally” to the women’s game and a highly respected figure in football.
As the situation has evolved, Aluko has intensified her criticism. In a recent podcast, she suggested Wright should have relinquished some of his punditry positions for her following their disagreement last year. Despite her earlier apology, Wright declined to accept it, indicating a rift that remains unresolved nearly a year later.
In the same podcast, Aluko expressed discontent over the BBC’s choice of pundits for the Lionesses’ Euro 2025 final against Spain, particularly questioning Nedum Onuoha’s presence on the panel. She highlighted what she perceived as a lack of female representation, stating that both she and fellow Lioness Fara Williams, who boasts 172 caps for England, were left out while male pundits took centre stage.
Aluko remarked on the disparity in punditry, stressing that women’s voices are often overlooked in major events: “Out of six punditry spots, two have gone to men.” She challenged the rationale behind selecting male pundits over experienced female players like herself and Williams, citing the ongoing underrepresentation of women in key roles.
Yet, critics point out that Aluko’s stance may be undermined by her own commentary, which has at times missed the mark. For instance, she inaccurately noted Williams’ cap total and failed to recognize Onuoha’s lack of international experience. This has contributed to the perception that her critique may not be based on sound analysis.
Furthermore, Aluko’s history of questionable statements has drawn scrutiny. She previously sparked outrage for suggesting that managers Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola engaged in open discussions about transfer strategies, a claim that misrepresents the competitive nature of football.
Simon Jordan weighed in on the matter, stating on talkSPORT that Aluko does not come across as particularly insightful or engaging. Her repeated missteps in reporting and commentary have led to growing impatience within the football community regarding her punditry.
As the conversation continues, Aluko’s comments reflect the ongoing challenges faced by women in sports media and the complexities of representation, making her criticisms resonate amidst the backdrop of a changing landscape in football.
Yet, amid the debate and discord, one may wonder how Aluko’s perspective mirrors the genuine frustrations felt by many in women’s sport, highlighting not just the barriers but the sometimes uneasy coexistence of old and new voices in the game.
