Latest news with #women's football
The Sun
26 minutes ago
- Sport
- The Sun
‘I got that one wrong' – Eni Aluko opens up on Ian Wright row and Match of the Day legend's refusal to accept apology
ENI ALUKO admits she was "wrong" to suggest Ian Wright has blocked opportunities for female pundits and "respects" his decision not to accept her public apology. Aluko, 38, and Wright, 61, were caught in a storm back in April when the former Lioness insinuated the Arsenal legend is getting in the way in women's football. 2 2 The ex- Chelsea ace spoke about the importance of making sure female pundits were not blocked by men, suggesting there is a finite amount of opportunities and men need to be aware of that. Aluko told Radio Four's Women's Hour three months ago: "I've worked with Ian a long time and, you know, I think he's a brilliant broadcaster. "But I think he's aware of just how much he's doing in the women's game. I think he should be aware of that. "We need to be conscious and we need to make sure that women are not being blocked from having a pathway into broadcasting in the women's game." Aluko has since apologised to Wright after public backlash, but the Match of the Day legend was left "very disappointed" and is unable to accept. Now the former Juventus ace has held her hands up and conceded she could have handled the whole situation in a better manner. Aluko told The Mirror: "I think I could have done better in responding to the question I was asked, and just keeping it as a general issue. "I've always been the person, to be honest, to hold my hands up and say: 'Listen, I got that one wrong. That was, that was a mistake'. If I had been on the other end, I would probably have felt the same. "Apologies are acts of respect. Apologies are a show of humility. I did a lot to try to apologise to Ian privately. "So when you're seeing a public apology, it's actually the last resort. But it was a public forum that I spoke about him on, and I felt a public apology was important. "I respect that [Wright's refusal to accept her apology]. I respect how he feels. It's really about my apology. That's all I can do. "Then, whenever the person's ready to have a conversation, I'm ready to have a conversation. But I respect if it's not the right time, I totally respect that."
Daily Mail
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Eni Aluko admits she was WRONG to criticise Ian Wright in public fall-out and reveals efforts to 'apologise privately' to Arsenal legend
Eni Aluko has admitted she was wrong to suggest Ian Wright has blocked opportunities for female pundits in women's football earlier this year. The former Lioness respects Wright's decision to refuse her public apology and insists she made efforts to make peace with him in private. Aluko and Wright were caught in a storm in April after she pointedly remarked that he should be aware of how much space he takes up in the women's game. 'I've worked with Ian a long time and, you know, I think he's a brilliant broadcaster, but I think he's aware of just how much he's doing in the women's game. I think he should be aware of that,' she told Radio Four's Women's Hour at the time. 'We need to be conscious and we need to make sure that women are not being blocked from having a pathway into broadcasting in the women's game.' Now, in an interview with the Daily Mirror, the pundit, who has since returned to her role with ITV at the Women's Euros, has held her hands up. 'I think I could have done better in responding to the question I was asked, and just keeping it as a general issue,' she admitted. 'I've always been the person, to be honest, to hold my hands up and say: '"Listen, I got that one wrong. That was, that was a mistake." If I had been on the other end, I would probably have felt the same. 'Apologies are acts of respect. Apologies are a show of humility. I did a lot to try to apologise to Ian privately. So when you're seeing a public apology, it's actually the last resort. But it was a public forum that I spoke about him on, and I felt a public apology was important. 'I respect that,' she said regarding his refusal to accept her apology. 'I respect how he feels. It's really about my apology. That's all I can do. Then, whenever the person's ready to have a conversation, I'm ready to have a conversation. But I respect if it's not the right time, I totally respect that. ' Aluko has been a target of abuse on social media, and in April won the first stage of a High Court libel claim over a bitter online row with former footballer Joey Barton. A judge ruled comments Barton had made on X defamatory after he had accused he father of being financially corrupt and said she had been playing the 'race card'. She told The Mirror: 'The way to change some of these things in society where women are made to feel they don't belong in certain spaces is always to speak up about it. That's the only way you change it. If you bury your head in the sand and pretend like it's not happening, nothing really changes. 'The police have been helpful. They understand the impact that online abuse is having in the real world. It's not unique to me, but it's the reality, unfortunately.' In her Women's Hour interview in April, Aluko had said: 'I've worked with Ian a long time and, you know, I think he's a brilliant broadcaster, but I think he's aware of just how much he's doing in the women's game. I think he should be aware of that. 'The fact of the matter is, there is a limited amount of spaces available. If we had a situation where there was an equal opportunity in the men's game for broadcasters and coaches that there is in the women's game, it's a free for all. 'But that's not the case. I can't dominate the men's game in the way that, you know, you used Ian as an example.' When asked to clarify if she thinks it is wrong for Wright, 61, to be a figure at the forefront of coverage of women's football, Aluko added: 'I don't know about wrong, but I think we need to be conscious and we need to make sure that women are not being blocked from having a pathway into broadcasting in the women's game. 'It's still new, it's still growing. There's a finite amount of opportunities and I think that men need to be aware of that. 'Men need to be aware that, you know, you're in a growing sport, a growing sport for women, and we haven't always had these opportunities, and so it's about the awareness and supporting other women through that pathway.' Wright launched a podcast alongside Steph Houghton last year about the women's game and regularly speaks about it with Kelly Cates on the BBC. After Aluko offered her apology, her said in a social media video: 'I have to talk about this week and what's going on, I don't want to endlessly be asked about it. 'I've got to say, I'm very disappointed about what Eni has said, she knows how I've helped her, supported her publicly, and I know the previous conversations she's had with me and my management. 'I've seen the apology on social media, but I can't accept it, but I also want to move on. 'For anyone watching this, I really don't need any further social commentary directed on any of this. 'The thing about where the women's game is, it isn't about me - it has to be about the collective. 'Because of the past, we know the men blocked the women's game for 50 years, because of the past we know the game has serious systemic challenges, and it's going to take everyone to help fixes. So for me, I always give back to the game, it's given me so much. 'It's never bothered me about who's playing the game, as long as they're playing the game. if you know my story you'll know how much football means to me. 'We are the country that invented modern football, so we have a responsibility, to lead the way in women's football 'We men are the ones that banned women's football for 50 years, so we have to hold that one. I need to say to everyone who has spoken about it publicly and showed love and support, I say thank you 'It's something I do not take for granted.'
The Guardian
14 hours ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
Spain see off stubborn Swiss to reach semis despite two missed penalties
'Spain is Spain,' Switzerland's talismanic captain Lia Wälti had warned and in the quarter-final between the host nation and the world champions, she was right. Athenea del Castillo and Clàudia Pina each struck in a five-minute, second-half spell to crush rumblings of a possible upset. It had been a game of hope, Mariona Caldentey's missed penalty and Livia Peng's save from an Alexia Putellas's spot-kick sandwiching the goals that crushed the resolve of a battling Switzerland. There is the embracing of a team and a tournament and then there is the embracing of women's football as a whole, a collective opening up to the historic injustice of underfunding and a lack of support. Both have taken place in Switzerland. This is a country that has opened its eyes, and its hearts, to the battling 'Nati' who have taken them on an emotional journey. The last-gasp equaliser against Finland to set up a quarter-final with the world champions was a moment of euphoric celebration that could be heard echoing from homes and bars up and down the country and inspired a huge fan walk of 25,000 to the Stadion Wankdorf. But this is also a country that wants more, that wants to back these women whose faces adorn all sorts of adverts and are emblazoned across the backs of shirts in greater and greater numbers every day. 'Here to stay,' read one small banner in the red block behind the Swiss goal. 'This is just the beginning,' read another. It is the type of reaction and level of support Spain long for, their World Cup success celebrated back home in the immediate aftermath but failing to trigger a step-change in the country's attitude towards the women's game. There was a nod to their struggles above the small section of Spanish fans, a banner reading: 'Estamos con Jenni H' ('We are with Jenni Hermoso') next to another which said: 'Abuchea el sexismo! #seacabo' ('Down with sexism #itsover'), the legacy of the kiss forced on forward Hermoso by then Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales during the World Cup trophy presentation. The task in Berne was a big one for the hosts, the biggest perhaps. Spain had earned three large wins over the Swiss in 2023, scoring 17 and conceding twice, in the World Cup and then two Nations League games. Almost two years later could the host nation stem the expected flow from a rampant Spain who won all three group games comfortably? There were two changes for Pia Sundhage's side, Julia Stierli and Svenja Folmli dropping to the bench and Noemi Ivelj and Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic called in. They set up in a back five, with the Arsenal defensive midfielder Wälti between the centre-backs as an extra protection. Spain manager Montse Tomé, with the benefit of having been able to rest players for their final group game against Italy with Spain having already earned progression, returned five to the starting XI. Few had given Switzerland any chance of being able to compete with her passing dynamos, but this was a Swiss side ready to make a statement. They should have been behind in the eighth minute, Nadine Riesen's late challenge on Mariona Caldentey conceding a penalty, but the Arsenal forward placed her spot-kick wide of the upright. It was the stroke of luck that the Swiss needed, the cow bells and drums drowned out by the thunder roll from the crowd as the ball thumped the hoarding. The hosts had their first chance 15 minutes in, Wälti the instigator, finding Iman Beney, who carried it into the area before Spain cleared her dangerous ball into the middle. Wälti was magnificent for the Swiss, tirelessly shifting between the midfield and defence as they chased and harried and frustrated their opponents. That they reached half-time with the game goalless was a remarkable achievement. Irene Paredes's header off the outside of the post shortly before the break was the closest the favourites would go. The crowd acting as the 12th man is a cliche, but in the cauldron of red, as every clearance, tackle, turnover, foul, even pass, received a deafening roar, it was hard not to feel that it was fuelling the players in white and adding to the frustrations of the Spanish. The Spanish were patient though, poking away at the wall of white, which they breached twice in the space of five minutes. It required a moment of magic from Aitana Bonmatí to set up Del Castillo. The second was a stunner too. Pina clipped the ball from the feet of Wälti, who was convinced she was fouled and paused to protest, and then fired into the top corner from 20 yards. There was drama late on, as Peng saved from Putellas after Beney conceded a penalty for a challenge on Del Castillo and Noelle Maritz was shown a red card in injury time, but it mattered little. Spain march into the semi-finals, ready to face the winner of Saturday's quarter-final between Germany and France. Switzerland, through, march into an exciting future.
Al Jazeera
2 days ago
- Business
- Al Jazeera
Arsenal sign Canada's Olivia Smith for world record women's football fee
Canada forward Olivia Smith has signed for Arsenal in a world record fee believed to be $1.34m. Arsenal signed Smith from Liverpool on Thursday to make the 20-year-old, who made her international debut at 15, the first million-pound women's footballer. That fee would surpass the $1.1m Chelsea paid when signing Naomi Girma from San Diego Wave in January, which set a new benchmark in women's football. 'She's one of the most talented young players in the game and has huge potential for further development here at the club,' Arsenal director of women's football Clare Wheatley said. Smith's move highlights the increase in spending in women's football, with transfer records being broken regularly in recent times. Zambia striker Rachael Kundananji joined Bay FC from Madrid CFF for a record $788,000 last year, and that figure was quickly exceeded by Girma's move to Chelsea. 'It's a privilege and an honour to sign for Arsenal,' said Smith. 'It's my dream to compete for the biggest titles here in England and in Europe, and I'm excited to get started and contribute to doing that here with Arsenal.' The investment in women's football in the English top flight has started to be matched by that of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). Kundananji's move to Bay FC came only two weeks after Nigeria's Asisat Oshoala, who won the African Footballer of the Year award for the sixth time in 2023, signed for the San Francisco-based club from Barcelona. Smith's transfer more than doubles the record $500,000 fee that Chelsea paid only last January to Spanish club Levante for Maya Ramirez.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Smith joins Arsenal for world record £1m fee
Canada forward Olivia Smith has become the most expensive signing in women's football history by completing a £1m move to Arsenal from Liverpool. The 20-year-old, who made her international debut at 15, has signed a four-year deal with the Champions League holders. Smith's move breaks the record set by Chelsea in January when they signed USA defender Naomi Girma for £900,000 from San Diego Wave. "It's a privilege and an honour to sign for Arsenal," said Smith. "It's my dream to compete for the biggest titles here in England and in Europe and I'm excited to get started and contribute to doing that here with Arsenal." Trevor Francis became the first £1m men's player when he joined Nottingham Forest 46 years ago. Smith, who only turned professional in 2023, joined Liverpool from Portuguese side Sporting a year ago for a club record fee of just over £200,000. Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers said Smith is an "exciting young player" who can make a "big contribution". She scored seven goals in 20 Women's Super League games in her debut season as Liverpool finished seventh. Liverpool are without a manager since sacking Matt Beard in February, with former Manchester City boss Gareth Taylor the leading candidate to take over. 'An eye-catching recruit' Arsenal did not want to sit still after winning the Women's Champions League title and vowed to strengthen their squad. This is an eye-catching recruit that does just that with Smith widely considered one of the WSL's most exciting youngsters, with a high ceiling of potential. She brings pace and directness to Arsenal's attacking line-up and has already proven herself in the WSL with a successful season at Liverpool. There has been longstanding interest in Smith from Arsenal, who were beaten to her signature by Liverpool in 2024 and they have always been ready to spend should they need to. The Reds have now made a profit of almost £800,000 after breaking their club record last summer to sign Smith from Portuguese side Sporting, and they will see this as good business despite losing one of the world's brightest young talents. Liverpool managing director Andy O'Boyle rejected several bids until £1m was presented. The £1m payment will be made in instalments to allow Liverpool to invest gradually. The club hope to use this money to strengthen the squad in several areas this season. There is also a sell-on clause included so Liverpool will benefit from any future sale. The 20-year-old had several suitors but it is believed she was impressed by Arsenal's recruitment presentation and feels she can improve at the club. Having left home as a teenager to play professional football in Portugal, then leap up to the WSL, all by the age of 20, Arsenal think she has proven her character and ability to be part of an elite squad. From Ontario to the WSL, via Penn State and Portugal From Ontario to the WSL, via Penn State and Portugal Smith's football journey began aged five when she joined Whitby Iroquois SC and the Ontario native's talents were quickly identified, with her debut in the national team youth set-up coming at the age of 12. Fast forward three years to 2019 and she was catapulted on to the international stage, featuring against Brazil and New Zealand at an invitational tournament in Chongqing, China. 'Statement amount' - what first £1m signing will mean for WSL Get the latest WSL news on our dedicated page
