Eni Aluko issues apology to Ian Wright after accusing Arsenal legend of blocking opportunities for women amid reports ex-Chelsea & Lionesses star faces axe from ITV

Earlier this week, Aluko accused fellow ITV pundit and Arsenal legend Wright of 'dominating' the coverage of women's football, while she talked on BBC Radio Four's Women's Hour. The former Chelsea and Birmingham City star claimed that Wright took space as the main point of broadcasts of the women's game and indirectly blocked female pundits from gaining opportunities.

Following Aluko's comments, it was revealed by The Daily Mail that ITV bosses were angered by the former Lionesses' claims and talks were taking place in the top management regarding the sacking of Aluko, which could be a big blow for the 38-year-old, especially with the Women's European Championship on the horizon. However, Aluko has now issued an apology to Wright as she labelled the Arsenal legend as a "brilliant broadcaster and a role model".

On her Instagram story, Aluko shared the following statement: "Ian Wright is a brilliant broadcaster and role model whose support for the women's game has been significant.

"In my interview with Woman's Hour this week, 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."

While Aluko has now issued her apology to Wright, it remains to be seen whether she will be part of ITV's punditry team in the near future or if the broadcasters do indeed still decide to cut their ties with the former Lionesses star.