Eni Aluko Accuses Laura Woods of Gaslighting Over ITV Budget Cut Claim

Eni Aluko has opened up about her exclusion from ITV’s coverage of England’s Women’s Euro 2025 final against Spain, claiming that budget cuts played a significant role in the decision. She expressed her disappointment after being overlooked in favor of Ian Wright for the coverage last summer.

Claims of Budget Cuts and Exclusion

During a recent appearance on talkSPORT, Aluko stated that ITV opted to reduce their number of pundits from three to two. She revealed that Wright was prioritized in their decision-making process. “The reason that was given to me was that ‘we’re cutting budgets, and we’re reducing from three pundits to two,’” Aluko explained.

Past Controversies

Aluko’s comments come after a period of controversy surrounding her previous remarks about Wright, in which she suggested his presence was a hindrance to female pundits. Despite her apologies, Wright expressed disappointment over her statements and chose not to accept her apology.

Interview Insights

Aluko highlighted her commitment to improving her punditry skills. She emphasized that no producer or director had ever told her she was inadequate. “In my 11 years of experience as a pundit, I’ve received numerous positive feedbacks,” she noted.

Career Background

Aluko is acknowledged as a trailblazer in sports media. She made history as the first woman to appear on BBC’s Match of the Day in September 2014. With a remarkable record of 33 goals in 105 appearances for England, she has remained active in the media sphere even after retiring from professional football in January 2020.

• Former roles include director of football at Aston Villa Women.
• Sporting director at Angel City FC.
• Involved in various broadcasts, including ITV’s coverage of the 2018 Men’s FIFA World Cup.

Response to Laura Woods

Aluko’s comments also sparked a confrontation with broadcaster Laura Woods, who criticized her recent statements, suggesting they could undermine women’s punditry. Aluko, in response, felt “gaslit” by Woods’ remarks, but later reconsidered her wording, expressing respect for Woods’ perspective.

Conclusion

Eni Aluko’s situation highlights ongoing debates about representation and treatment of female pundits in sports media. As she navigates the complexities of her career, her experiences serve as a crucial reflection on the evolving landscape of women in sports broadcasting.