ITV has confirmed that Eni Aluko will serve as a pundit for their Women's Euro 2025 coverage starting next month, despite her controversial comments about Ian Wright earlier this year.
The broadcaster's decision comes after Aluko suggested in April that Wright "should be aware of" the extent of his punditry work in women's football.
She also stated it was important "women are not being blocked from having a pathway into broadcasting in the women's game".
Wright, who was publicly backed by ITV following the incident, will not be part of the channel's coverage for the tournament.
ITV has confirmed that Eni Aluko will serve as a pundit for their Women's Euro 2025 coverage starting next month, despite her controversial comments about Ian Wright earlier this yearPAThe former England and Arsenal striker had been a regular fixture in ITV's women's football broadcasts, including throughout England's qualifying campaign.
The controversy erupted during an interview on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour, where the former England and Chelsea forward made her remarks about representation in women's football broadcasting.
Aluko subsequently issued an apology on Instagram, writing that it was "wrong for Ian's name to be raised in that conversation" and expressing that she had "nothing but love and respect for him".
Wright declined to accept the apology, responding on the same platform.
JUST IN: Martina Navratilova demands apology after Imane Khelif told to 'return Olympic medal from Paris'
Ian Wright refused to apologise Eni Aluko's apology back in April
GETTYHis rejection received support from several England players who "liked" his post, including Alessia Russo, Mary Earps, Lauren Hemp and Alex Greenwood.
Former international turned pundit Izzy Christiansen also showed her support for Wright's stance. At the time, ITV released a statement describing Wright as "an incredible advocate and ally, and a brilliant broadcaster of women's football".
The former Arsenal star's absence from ITV's Euros team has raised eyebrows, particularly given his extensive involvement in their women's football coverage.
READ MORE: Rory McIlroy provides update on relationship with wife Erica Stoll as The Open creeps closer
He featured prominently during the 2023 Women's World Cup in Australia, where he worked in a pitch-side role for three matches as England reached the final.
Sources at ITV have insisted his exclusion from the tournament coverage is not connected to his dispute with Aluko, according to the Guardian.
The decision marks a notable change from recent broadcasts, as Wright had been utilised throughout England's qualifying campaign.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Following the April controversy, Aluko was notably absent from ITV's coverage of England's 5-0 victory over Portugal at Wembley in May. However, she has now secured her place as one of the broadcaster's main pundits for the European Championship.
The 38-year-old will be joined by United States manager Emma Hayes and former England international Karen Carney as ITV's main pundits for the tournament. Laura Woods and Seema Jaswal will present the coverage.
ITV's broadcasts begin with the opening match between Finland and Iceland on Wednesday.
The channel will show England's first game against France on Saturday 5 July, as well as their final group match against Wales the following week.
England won the last Euros back in 2022, with the Lionesses defeating Germany in the final
PA
The broadcaster has taken a calculated risk by allowing the BBC, as joint rights holders, first pick of the quarter-finals.
ITV has instead secured first choice of the semi-finals, betting that Sarina Wiegman's side will progress that far in the tournament.
Both broadcasters will share coverage of the final.
Most Read
