Enni Alco warns Ian Wright that he is involved in blocking women’s soccer coverage and opportunities for women critics.
Enni Alco raises concerns about Ian Wright’s prominent role in women’s soccer media, suggesting that his presence may limit the opportunities for female critics to try to infiltrate the industry.
The former England and Chelsea strikers addressed the need to pay attention to the visibility they occupy by men working in women’s soccer.
“I’ve worked with Ian for a long time and I think he’s a great broadcaster, but I think he knows how much he does in women’s games, and I think he should know that,” she said.
“The fact of the matter is that the space available is limited. If there is a situation where there is an equal opportunity for men’s games for broadcasters and coaches in women’s games, it is free for everyone.
“But it’s not. I can’t control the male game in the way you used Ian as an example.”
When asked if she believed it was inappropriate for Wright, to be the central figure in women’s soccer coverage, Arco added:
Aluko and Wright have worked side by side as experts, including during the broadcast of the 2021 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. However, Aluko believes that more consideration is needed to ensure equal access for women.
🚨Eni Arco blocked opportunities for women critics and accused them of “dominating” women’s soccer coverage. 🤯
(sauce: @mailsport)) pic.twitter.com/5wooxqzxsy
– To forward live news live (@deadlinedaylive) April 23, 2025
“It’s still new and it’s still growing, there’s a finite opportunity and I think men need to recognize it.
“Men need to know that you are growing up sports, sports for women. We don’t always have these opportunities. So it’s about recognizing and supporting other women through that pathway.”
Light work for women’s matches
Wright is very vocal about supporting the women’s games, starting a podcast with former England captain Steph Houghton, appearing with Kelly Cates to discuss women’s football at the BBC.
It was also revealed that Wright is paying for ACL rehabilitation at Kaylee McDonald’s in Stoke City, and that he is donating £1,700 a month from his pocket after the club cut funds.
He previously condemned abuse directed at female experts, stating that he was “fit” for his location on the broadcast, and that he felt “embarrassed” by the criticism they received.
Burton Saga
Aluko faces online abuse along with fellow broadcasters such as Alex Scott and Karen Carney. Part of that is now at the heart of his legal battle with Joey Barton.
Former England striker Enni Alco has taken the first stage of the honorable lib loss case against former footballer Joey Burton.
Burton previously targeted Arco on social media, but posed threats of violence and abuse as he accused him of “playing race cards.” pic.twitter.com/toy0feotge
-DW Sports (@DW_Sports) April 10, 2025
She sued the former Manchester City and Newcastle midfielders in two social media posts starting in January 2023, and the judge determined that one of Burton’s tweets had a honour and a loss of honor and called her a “race card player.”
Despite her first ruling in her favor due to the potential appeal from Burton, Arco feels her media career is suffering as a result.
“This happens in a lot of industries. When women stand up for themselves, their careers take a hit,” she said.
“I’ve been on air for 11 years. I’m not used to it, and in the last 18 months I’ve done the bare minimum of television I’ve ever done.
“It’s just a fact. It’s not an emotion, it’s an opinion. It’s a fact. So I think people can draw their own conclusions from it.”
She also pointed to the broader issues of unequal opportunities in both male and female soccer media roles.
“There is a double standard in both male and female games where women and female broadcasters still have limited opportunities.
“We are still competing for a maximum of 2-3 seats, including presenters.”