Former England international and television personality John Fashanu has publicly denied suggestions that he is battling a serious or unexplained health condition, responding sharply to comments made by his daughter, Amal Fashanu, in a recent interview.
The 63-year-old former striker said claims that his health had deteriorated, possibly due to repeated heading of footballs during his professional career, were entirely inaccurate.
He expressed disappointment over the remarks, insisting that he remains physically and mentally well despite recent personal and legal challenges.
Former Football Star Says Stress, Not Illness, Caused Weight Loss
Addressing concerns about his appearance, Fashanu explained that recent weight loss was linked to emotional strain stemming from ongoing legal disputes involving land he owns in Nigeria.
According to him, prolonged court battles and complications surrounding the sale of the property affected his appetite and led to a temporary drop in weight.
However, he stressed that this should not be interpreted as evidence of declining health.
The former footballer stated that while the experience had been traumatic, he has recovered from the period of distress and continues to remain active across a range of professional and charitable projects.
Disagreement Emerges Over Nature of Father-Daughter Relationship
A central point of contention involves differing accounts of the relationship between Fashanu and his daughter.
Amal recently suggested that the pair had reconciled after a lengthy estrangement and that she had been travelling regularly to Nigeria to assist with her father’s affairs.
Fashanu, however, disputes that version of events.
He maintained that Amal does not manage his business interests and said he relies on a dedicated team of advisers, lawyers and associates in both the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
He further claimed that her recent visit to Nigeria was her first trip to see him in some time and that she introduced her husband to him during that visit.
Multiple Projects Keeping Fashanu Busy
Far from slowing down, Fashanu said he is currently involved in several initiatives, including work on his autobiography, charitable fundraising efforts and research focused on legal and social welfare reform.
He revealed that he has been collaborating with academics, lawyers and social care professionals to examine weaknesses within child protection and foster care systems in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
The project aims to identify gaps in existing frameworks and explore potential reforms.
In addition, he confirmed that he has spent recent months documenting his life story, dedicating time each weekend to writing sections of an autobiography that will present his experiences from his own perspective.
Former Striker Challenges Agency Claims
Another issue raised by Fashanu concerns Amal’s assertion that she once acted as his agent.
The former Wimbledon forward firmly rejected that claim, stating that she has never represented him professionally and does not speak on his behalf.
Their disagreement follows Amal’s account that communication between them broke down in 2023 after she learned he had agreed to participate in a television project without her knowledge during a period when she believed she was handling aspects of his career.
Wedding Plans Spark Further Differences
Amal recently shared plans for an elaborate wedding celebration with her husband, Ghanaian businessman Mohamad Odaymat, despite the couple already having completed a small civil ceremony.
The entrepreneur said the larger event is expected to attract hundreds of guests and include traditional celebrations in both Nigeria and Spain, reflecting the cultural backgrounds of her parents.
She expressed hope that both her mother and father would participate in the festivities and described plans for a multi-day celebration that could involve transporting guests between countries.
Fashanu, however, said he was unaware of the scale of the proposed celebrations and claimed he had only recently learned of details surrounding his daughter’s marriage when she visited him in Nigeria.
Clarification Over Marriage and Family Matters
The former footballer also pushed back against reports concerning his personal life, particularly suggestions about the number of times he has been married and the status of his current relationship.
Fashanu stated that he has been married three times and remains happily married to his wife, Vivian, with whom he currently lives in Nigeria.
Reflecting on family tensions, he suggested that unresolved feelings connected to his past relationship with Amal’s mother may still influence their interactions.
While acknowledging the complexities involved, he said he continues to care deeply for his daughter despite their current disagreements.
No Joint Business Ventures Planned
Amal has spoken publicly about ambitions to expand her business interests in West Africa, including plans for a wellness centre and additional retail ventures connected to her growing matcha tea brand.
She had indicated that her father might become involved through a football academy linked to the project.
Fashanu, however, dismissed the suggestion, saying no such partnership exists and that he has no plans to pursue a joint business venture with her.
He added that he is already occupied with football development projects of his own.
A Career Defined by Football Success
Fashanu rose to prominence after beginning his professional career with Norwich City before establishing himself at Wimbledon during the club’s most successful era.
Known for his physical style of play, he scored more than 100 league goals for Wimbledon and played a significant role in the club’s rise to the top division.
He was also part of the team that famously defeated Liverpool in the 1988 FA Cup final.
His performances earned him two appearances for the England national football team.
Amal Continues Work Honouring Uncle Justin Fashanu
Alongside her business activities, Amal remains involved in advocacy work through the The Justin Fashanu Foundation, named after her late uncle, Justin Fashanu.
Justin became the first openly gay professional footballer in Britain and remains a significant figure in discussions surrounding inclusion and mental health in sport.
Amal has said she hopes to incorporate a tribute to her uncle during her future wedding celebrations, describing it as a meaningful way to honour his memory.
Hope for Reconciliation Despite Public Dispute
Despite his strong criticism of his daughter’s comments, Fashanu indicated that he has not given up hope of repairing their relationship.
The former footballer acknowledged the emotional difficulty of responding publicly but said he felt compelled to address statements he believed were inaccurate.
While he intends to maintain some distance for now, he stressed that Amal remains his daughter and expressed hope that the family can eventually move beyond the current dispute.
