Eni Aluko has stepped down from her presenting role at this week’s Women’s Football Awards after a public fallout with fellow pundit Ian Wright. The 38-year-old former England striker had criticized the Arsenal legend, suggesting he should be more aware of the limited opportunities for female pundits in women’s football.

Aluko’s comments, made last week, drew backlash, and she later apologized. However, Wright stated he “could not accept” the apology, expressing his disappointment over her remarks.

Wright, an ardent supporter of women’s football, has long been an advocate for the women’s game, frequently appearing as a pundit for Lionesses matches. His position earned widespread support following the controversy.

In the wake of the criticism, Aluko decided to withdraw from her co-presenting role at the Women’s Football Awards on May 1, alongside Gabby Logan and Jamie Carragher. She stated her decision was made to avoid drawing attention away from the nominees and to ensure the focus remained on celebrating the achievements of those involved in the sport.

“I’ve decided to take a step back from being part of the hosting line-up this year,” Aluko said. “I don’t want 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.”

Wright responded to Aluko’s comments on Instagram, a post which has since gained over 137,000 likes, including from England women’s players Mary Earps, Alessia Russo, and Alex Greenwood. Wright emphasized that he would always give back to the game, a sport that has provided him with so much over his 15-year professional career.

He also noted the historical challenges faced by women’s football, saying, “Because of the past, where men blocked the women’s game for 50 years, the game has serious systemic challenges, and it is going to take everyone to help fix it. We are the country that invented modern football, so we have a responsibility to lead the way in women’s football.”