Eni Aluko Announces She Is Quitting UK Broadcasting Work as She Calls British Television a Toxic Space Following Rows with Ian Wright and Simon Jordan

Eni Aluko, former Lioness and high-profile football pundit, has revealed she is stepping away from broadcasting in the UK, describing the television environment as a “very toxic space.”

The decision follows public clashes with fellow pundits Ian Wright and Simon Jordan over issues including sexism, race, and the role of men in women’s football coverage.

At 38, Aluko has spent years in both professional football and punditry, advocating for the visibility and advancement of the women’s game.

Her recent comments have reignited debate over whether male broadcasters dominate opportunities in women’s football, leaving female voices sidelined.

Disputes with Ian Wright and Nedum Onuoha

Aluko’s issues with male pundits began publicly after she suggested some men in broadcasting were limiting opportunities for women.

While she apologized for her remarks last April, tensions reignited when she criticized former Premier League defender Nedum Onuoha on the 90s Baby Show podcast, noting that he and Wright were among the six pundits covering the Women’s Euros final, while she and fellow Lioness Fara Williams were not included.

Aluko claimed Wright failed to advocate for her when ITV declined to extend her contract.

She described this period as “the most difficult time in my career,” and has repeatedly highlighted the lack of support from supposed allies in the industry.

TalkSPORT Appearance Highlights Industry Tensions

During a tense appearance on talkSPORT alongside Simon Jordan and Jim White, Aluko confirmed she is stepping back from UK broadcasting.

“I think in the UK… it’s a very toxic space for me,” she said, adding that she feels unable to share her opinion without facing immediate backlash.

Jordan criticized Aluko’s punditry style, suggesting her comments conveyed entitlement and questioning her charisma and engagement on-air.

Aluko responded, clarifying that she had already decided to step away from broadcasting before the talkSPORT interview.

“The reason people aren’t booking me is because I’ve taken myself out of the firing line,” she explained.

The Question of Allyship

A major part of Aluko’s frustration centers on what she sees as a lack of allyship from Wright.

She described a meeting with his agent to discuss staying on ITV, only to feel dismissed by Wright when no action followed.

“I fully expected Ian to use his influence to keep me in the game,” she said, reflecting on the disparity between how Wright has supported others and her own experience.

Aluko has repeatedly emphasized that female pundits should have the opportunity to dominate coverage in women’s football, mirroring the men’s game.

She argued that men should play a supporting role rather than being the main voices in women’s sport broadcasts.

Responses from Colleagues

Other pundits have responded to Aluko’s statements.

ITV presenter Laura Woods criticized the idea that women’s football should be “gatekept” for women only, arguing that this approach could harm the sport’s growth.

Woods emphasized that strong punditry comes from expertise, research, engagement, and panel chemistry—not just past playing experience.

Aluko defended her position, clarifying that she is advocating for women to be more central in their own sport, not to exclude men entirely.

“No one is saying any man should be excluded, but the roles do need to be defined,” she said.

Work Outside the UK

While stepping away from British TV, Aluko remains active internationally.

She holds roles as an ambassador for adidas and UNICEF and continues to participate in public speaking engagements.

Her decision to focus on environments where she feels valued highlights the challenges women face in sports media, even at the highest professional levels.

What’s Next?

Aluko has made it clear that she is not retiring from football or punditry entirely, but is instead seeking platforms where she can thrive.

Fans and colleagues will be watching to see whether she secures international broadcasting roles, takes on new ambassadorial projects, or becomes more involved in shaping women’s football policy.

Her stance may also spark broader conversations in the industry about diversity, representation, and allyship in sports media.

Summary

Eni Aluko’s exit from UK broadcasting underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding gender, race, and opportunity in sports media.

Her clashes with Ian Wright and Simon Jordan reflect deeper questions about allyship and the visibility of female pundits.

While she steps away from British TV, Aluko continues to champion women’s football internationally, advocating for a future where women are central to the sport they helped build.