Eni Aluko is split off by ITV for the first match of Lionesses since Ian Wright Scandal – and insiders claim that decision ‘is not good for the future’ for the future of pundit on the channel as ax.

Eni Aluko will not be part of ITVThe coverage of the first game of The Lionesses, because she accused Ian Wright of blocking opportunities for female experts in ladies’ football.

MailOnline can reveal that the broadcaster has chosen instead to use Anita Asante and Vicky Losada as experts for Sarina Wiegman side Nation competition Game against Portugal on Friday evening, which is broadcast live on ITV4.

And ITV refuses to confirm whether Aluko, 38, will be part of them European Championships line-up this summer, in the midst of claims from insiders the first Chelsea Star is confronted with the ax at the broadcaster after its controversial comments about Wright last month.

Indeed, sources have said that MailOnline ITV could have used the Portugal match to support Aluko and draw a line under the Saga, but the fact that she was overlooked ‘Bode Bode Bode’ for her future on ITV.

An insider said: ‘Like ITV wanted to mention their intentions and stay at AlukoHer on Punditry duty for the Portugal competition would have been a clear indication of their attitude.

“The fact that she has been sidelined is not predicting this summer.”

MailOnline has contacted the representatives of Aluko for comment.

Aluko came under Vuren in April for the accusing of Arsenal legend Wright, 61, of ‘blocking’ female experts and ‘dominating’ coverage of women’s football.

After her comments were widely criticized, Aluko gave an apology that Wright quickly rejected during a passionate video message that he placed on his Instagram account, in the midst of support for very influential figures around his status in the game for women.

He said: ‘I have to say that I am very disappointed about what ENI said. She knows how I helped her, publicly supported her. And I know the earlier conversations she has had with me and my management. So for me I have seen your apology on social media, but I can’t accept it. But I also want to go further. ‘

ITV has also issued a statement that Wright has supported, which is expected to be part of this summer’s Punditry team.

It said: ‘Ian’s standing in sport is without a doubt. As one of the most respected and beloved football players and sporting broadcasters of the UK, with a career of almost four decades, Ian is an incredible lawyer, ally and brilliant broadcaster of women’s football from a Grassroots level and at the highest international competitions. ‘

MailOnline told Aluko’s accusation last month about the ‘Blocking’ Opportunities ‘for female experts from Wright’ to work on the women’s match, senior ITV -EXECS angry because of the broadcaster ‘Proud of a diverse schedule for both experts and presenters in his sports content’, plus to make them a ‘great female influence’.

During the World Cup of 2023 in Australia and New Zealand, ITV and Rivals BBC had a combined total of 25 experts, presenters and commentators – 23 of them were women, including Aluko.

Wright was brought in as an extra expert for two of those ITV Live broadcasts, but he attended all other games as a fan.

The Extiker of the ex-crystal palace was also frustrated by Aluko’s comments because of his earlier public support of the former English star, which won 105 caps for the Leeuwessen, when she was confronted with criticism of social media after a punditry slip-up during the world cup Men in Qatar 2022.

Aluko’s views on Wright were made during an appearance on the Women’s Hour of Radio Four, in which she also claimed that her punditry career was damaged by ex-manchester City midfielder Joey Barton after calling her a ‘racing card player’ on social media in January last year.

She said that ITV kept using Wright’s to cover the women’s game, the opportunities that female experts entered the industry.

Aluko said: ‘I worked with Ian for a long time and, you know, I think he is a brilliant broadcaster, but I think he is aware of how much he is doing in the women’s game. I think he should be aware of that.

‘The fact is that a limited amount of spaces is available. If we had a situation where there was an equal chance in the men’s game for broadcasters and coaches who are in the game for women, it is a free for everyone.

“But that’s not the case. I cannot dominate the men’s game in the way you used Ian as an example. ‘

When asked to clarify if she thinks it is wrong for Wright to cover women’s football, Aluko added: ‘I don’t know it is wrong, but I think we should be aware and we should ensure that women are not blocked to have a path to have a way in the women’s game.

‘It’s still new, it is still growing. There is a finite amount of opportunities and I think men should be aware of that.

“Men must be aware that you know, you, a growing sport, are a growing sport for women, and we have not always had these opportunities, and so it is about the consciousness and support of other women through that path.”