Eni Aluko has been a regular face across ITV for both their Lionesses and England men’s coverage but it appears the channel have made a decision on her role for the time being
Eni Aluko has been dropped by ITV for their upcoming coverage of the Lionesses after her comments about Ian Wright. The former England women’s star accused Wright of blocking opportunities for female pundits over recent years, comments that she immediately apologised for.
The fallout between Aluko and Wright left the former’s position up in the air. And it now appears that bosses have decided that she is not worth the risk at the current time.
According to Mail Online, Aluko will not be part of the punditry team for the Lionesses’ Nations League clash with Portugal on Friday night. Meanwhile, the channel are staying silent over whether the 38-year-old will have a role at all for this summer’s European Championships.
Mirror Sport understands that as of earlier this month, ITV had yet to decide upon its punditry line up for the summer. The channel will show one England men’s World Cup qualifier, as well as a friendly match in June. They also have the rights to the Lionesses’ 2025 Euros campaign.
An insider quoted by Mail Online said: “If ITV wanted to state their intentions and stick by Aluko, putting her on punditry duty for the Portugal match would have been a clear indication of their stance. The fact she’s been sidelined does not bode well for this summer.”
READ MORE: Eni Aluko’s ex-England team-mate makes public statement on Ian Wright falloutREAD MORE: Roy Keane leaves Ian Wright in stitches with perfectly timed Eni Aluko comment
It is not the first time that ITV appears to have taken Wright’s side in the row. A statement released last month read: “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.”
Wright has also spoken out and while he claims that he wants the incident to be consigned to the past, he was not able to accept Aluko’s apology. He said: “I’ve got to say I’m very disappointed by 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. 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.”
Elsewhere, Aluko’s mum has also spoken out. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Sileola claimed that Eni had been ‘traumatised’ by the whole situation.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
