Nigerian-born former England international Eniola Aluko will not be part of ITV’s television coverage for this year’s FIFA World Cup, but representatives of the former football star have rejected claims that she was “dropped” by the broadcaster.
Initial reports in the UK had suggested Aluko was left out of ITV’s punditry team following previous controversies involving fellow broadcaster Ian Wright.
However, representatives for Aluko insist the narrative is misleading and say she had already informed ITV nearly a year ago that she did not wish to continue pursuing UK broadcasting opportunities for the time being.
According to her representatives, Aluko publicly discussed the decision earlier this year during an appearance on talkSPORT.
“She cannot be dropped from a role she had already stepped away from,” her representatives explained.
The clarification also disputes suggestions that her absence from ITV’s World Cup plans is connected to her widely discussed disagreement with Wright.
Representatives noted that Aluko continued working with ITV after the controversy, including during coverage of the Women’s European Championship, and maintains an amicable relationship with the broadcaster.
Aluko has instead focused on football and media projects outside the United Kingdom, recently appearing on Monday Night Football on SuperSport in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, ITV recently unveiled a high-profile lineup for the World Cup featuring names such as Gary Neville, Roy Keane, Patrick Vieira and former Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou.
Reports in sections of the UK media surrounding Aluko’s omission have since reportedly been amended or removed following clarification from her camp.
