Eni Aluko quits job after fallout with Arsenal legend Ian Wright

Eni Aluko has decided to step back from her role as the host for the Women's Football Awards in light of the controversy stemming from her remarks about Ian Wright. The ex-England international faced harsh criticism after she suggested that Wright was 'blocking opportunities for women' within the sport.

She quickly issued an apology due to the extensive backlash, but Ian Wright was not convinced by her retraction and chose to dismiss it. The former Gunners forward shared his feelings of 'disappointment' in an Instagram video, urging everyone to move on from the incident.

ITV rallied behind Wright with a firm statement affirming his unquestionable reputation in football. Meanwhile, Aluko's mother alleged that her daughter was "traumatised" by the repercussions of her initial comment.

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Aluko had been slated to share the stage with Gabby Logan and Jamie Carragher at Thursday night’s much-anticipated Women’s Football Awards. However, she made the call to not participate.

Aluko explained her withdrawal stating: "The Women's Football Awards hold a special place in my heart. It was the first time an event of this scale was created solely to celebrate the incredible achievements in women's football. 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.", reports .

"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 Logan and Jamie Carragher, 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."

Following her controversial comments made on BBC Radio 4, suggesting commentator Ian Wright's presence in women's football could hinder female pundits, Aluko's involvement with an event has notably diminished.

Her depiction has been removed from promotional material for the event and now features only hosts Gabby Logan and Jamie Carragher.

Aluko later explained: "I was trying to make a broader point about the limited opportunities for women in football, whether that's in coaching, broadcasting or commercial spaces, and the importance of creating more space for women to thrive on and off the pitch.

"But it was wrong for Ian's name to be raised in that conversation, and for that I sincerely apologise. I've known and worked with Ian for many years and have nothing but love and respect for him."

Responding to Eni Aluko's comments, Wright expressed disappointment: "I've got to say, I'm very disappointed about what Eni has said. She knows how I've helped her, supported her publicly, and I know the previous conversations she's had with me and my management."

Ian Wright couldn't accept the apology made on social media by Aluko but emphasised a desire to move forward, saying: "I've seen the apology on social media, but I can't accept it, but I also want to move on. For anyone watching this, I really don't need any further social commentary directed on any of this."