Eni Aluko QUITS ‘special’ presenting job in fresh blow following public spat with Ian Wright
ENI ALUKO has stepped down from hosting duties at the Women’s Football Awards amid her public row with Ian Wright.
Former England star Aluko aimed comments at Wright last week over his work as a pundit in the women’s game.
Aluko accused Wright of “blocking” pathways for women in football punditry on BBC Radio 4.
The former Lioness apologised for her comments – but Wright refused to accept it in an impassioned Instagram video.
The Arsenal legend called for the public to “move on” from the incident, but the controversy has shown no signs of slowing down.
The pair’s employer ITV the latest to weigh in with a strong statement in support of the 61-year-old former striker.
And now Aluko has announced that she will take a step back from her role as host at the end-of-season awards on Thursday.
The 38-year-old was due to take to the stage alongside Gabby Logan and Jamie Carragher at the London ceremony.
She admitted that she didn’t want her place in the news cycle to “deflect” from the festivities.
Aluko’s Instagram statement read: “The Women’s Football Awards hold a special place in my heart.
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“It was the first time an event of this scale was created solely to celebrate the incredible achievements in women’s football, and 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 and Jamie, 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 photograph has since been removed from the event’s publicity material, which now features only Logan and Carragher.
Aluko’s position with ITV, where Wright is a popular figure, is under scrutiny amid the fall out, according to The Mail.
Wright has been a big advocate of the women’s game for a number of years and shown his support in a number of ways.
He made an incredible gesture to Stoke City defender Kayleigh McDonald after she suffered a ruptured ACL was forced to set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds when the club refused to pay for surgery.
Stoke eventually backtracked – largely thanks to Wright, it has been revealed, as he paid for a sports lawyer to advocate for McDonald.
And when the club pulled funding for her rehab at the end of last year, Wright started paying for it out of his own pocket.
The defender revealed that her rehab costs around £1,700-a-month.