Ian Wright Funds £1,700 Surgery for Player Amid Aluko's Criticism

Eni Aluko has publicly criticized Ian Wright, claiming he is 'dominating' women's football coverage and blocking opportunities for female pundits, despite his history of supporting women in the sport. Aluko's comments have sparked debate given that Wright has only appeared as a pundit for a limited number of women's matches, while Aluko herself has enjoyed a prominent broadcasting role. In response to the criticism, reports have highlighted Wright's advocacy and tangible support for women's football, including his intervention in government policy for equal sports opportunities and, most notably, personally funding the rehabilitation of Stoke City player Kayleigh McDonald after her club withdrew support for her ACL injury. Wright's actions, such as hiring a sports lawyer for McDonald and covering her £1,700 monthly rehab costs, have drawn praise from the player and others in the football community. The widespread coverage underscores the complexity of representation in sports broadcasting while highlighting Wright's substantial off-screen contributions to women's football.