Former England forward, Eni Aliko, has called on male pundits like Ian Wright to be more mindful of their presence in women’s football media, arguing that their growing influence could limit opportunities for female voices in the game.
Despite Wright’s consistent support for the women’s game, frequently appearing on Women’s Super League broadcasts and championing the sport across his platforms, Aluko believes the balance of representation still needs improvement. The pair have previously shared punditry duties, but Aluko says it’s time for a shift.
Speaking during an interview on BBC Radio Four’s Woman’s Hour, the former Chelsea and England star acknowledged Wright’s broadcasting talent but expressed concern over the space he occupies in the female football media landscape.
“I’ve worked with Ian a long time and, you know, 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,” she stated, as reported by Mail Sport.
Aluko, 38, went further to explain that opportunities for women to break into punditry, especially in men’s football—are far scarcer than they are for men stepping into women’s football media.
“The fact of the matter is, there is a limited amount of spaces available. If we had a situation where there was an equal opportunity in the men’s game for broadcasters and coaches that there is in the women’s game, it’s a free for all.
“But that’s not the case. I can’t dominate the men’s game in the way that, you know, you used Ian as an example.”
When asked whether male pundits like Wright should step back from women’s football coverage, she offered a nuanced response.
“I don’t know about wrong, but I think we need to be conscious and we need to make sure that women are not being blocked from having a pathway into broadcasting in the women’s game.”
Emphasizing the need for men to recognize the limited and emerging nature of women’s football broadcasting roles, Aluko closed with a broader reflection:
“It’s still new, it’s still growing. There’s a finite amount of opportunities and I think that men need to be aware of that.
“Men need to be aware that, you know, 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.”
Wright has yet to respond publicly to the remarks.
