Eni Aluko row takes fresh turn as ex-Lioness ‘trademarked name’ just days after Ian Wright claim
Former England international Eni Aluko submitted a trademark application for her own name just weeks after sparking a major row by accusing Ian Wright of limiting opportunities for female pundits.
The 38-year-old made her controversial remarks on April 23, stating: “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 argued that broadcasting positions were scarce, adding: “The fact of the matter is, there is a limited amount of spaces available.”
The filing came as the dispute intensified, with numerous prominent television personalities and supporters rallying behind the Arsenal legend.
On May 13, Aluko lodged her application with the Intellectual Property Office to register “Eni Aluko” across four distinct categories, according to the Sun.
These included media content, decorative and artistic materials, digital file printing, and a broader category encompassing media relations, promotional activities, advertising, and retail services.
The application was reportedly published in the trademark journal on May 29, before official registration on August 8.
Wright had responded to Aluko’s subsequent apology, posting on Instagram: “I’ve seen the apology on social media, but I can’t accept it – but I also want to move on from it.”
Former England international Eni Aluko submitted a trademark application for her own name
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The trademark was submitted through Crescenda Sport Ltd, her company, which describes itself as a sports careers agency providing internship and employment opportunities for students in the global sports industry.
The former Lioness, who earned 105 caps for England, reignited controversy this month by suggesting she and ex-teammate Fara Williams deserved places on ITV’s Women’s Euro 2025 final coverage, which instead featured Wright alongside Emma Hayes and Karen Carney.
Presenter Laura Woods responded sharply on X, dismissing the notion that international appearances guarantee broadcasting roles, writing: “Caps don’t win automatic work and they don’t make a brilliant pundit either.
“The way you communicate, articulate yourself, do your research, inform your audience, how likeable you are and the chemistry you have with your panel are what makes a brilliant pundit.”
She argued that broadcasting positions were scarce
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Woods also condemned the suggestion that women’s football coverage should exclude men, calling the phrase “the women’s game should be by women for women” deeply damaging and warning it would set back both women’s sport and female punditry.
Aluko subsequently appeared on talkSPORT’s White and Jordan programme, where she announced her departure from British broadcasting, describing the environment as hostile.
She explained: “I think in the UK it’s a very toxic space for me. And I’m fighting now to just even have an opinion.
“There is a feeling that I can’t say anything without the instant backlash that comes with the fact people have already decided they don’t like you.”
Eni Aluko revealed she used to enjoy a close working relationship with Laura Woods | talkSPORTHost Simon Jordan offered a withering assessment of the former footballer’s media career during the exchange.
Jordan told her: “I don’t think you are particularly enlightening, illuminating, engaging or charismatic.
“The language that you use is, to me, it’s steeped in the sense of entitlement.”
Aluko has complained of struggling to secure work since initiating the dispute last year.
