#Eniola Aluko

[sageglobalresponse]

Who is Eniola Aluko? First African Woman Appointed to Board of Female Football Club in Italy

Eniola Aluko, a Nigerian-born British former sports director for Aston Villa and Angel City in England, has made history by becoming the first African female to make the board of Italy’s female top-flight football club FC Como Women.

Mercury 13, an investment group focused on the development of women’s football clubs, recently finalised its $100 million acquisition by securing a controlling stake in FC Como Women, a team competing in Italy’s Serie A. A consortium led by Victoire Cogevina Reynal, Mario Malave, Eniola Aluko and Women in Football’s Ebru Koksal, the group last year announced plans to acquire women’s soccer clubs across Europe and Latin America.

FC Como Women, currently playing in the top division of Italian women’s football, is located in the picturesque region around Lake Como, known for its affluent residents like George Clooney and Richard Branson. The team plays its home matches in Seregno, approximately 14 miles south of the lake, and attracts an average crowd of 1,700 spectators per game.

Transitioning from her playing career, the Lagos-born has pursued football broadcasting and now ventures into sports ownership with the Mercury 13 group. Her ownership of Como FC not only marks a historic milestone for black women in Italian football but also signals a significant step forward for diversity and representation in sports ownership.

Growing Up

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Eniola Aluko moved to Birmingham in England when she was six months old, where she developed a passion for football while playing with her brother and his friends. She began her career at Leafield Athletic Ladies before joining Birmingham City Ladies’ youth team, where she made an impactful debut at just 14 years old.

The Mercury 13 group’s commitment to investing in women’s football teams underscores the growing interest and investment in the sport globally. With Eniola Aluko’s leadership, the group aims to build a portfolio of women’s clubs, leveraging the increasing popularity of women’s football to drive growth and development in the sport.

Football Journey

Eni Aluko, who grew up playing football alongside her brother Sone Aluko and his friends, also engaged in other sports like tennis and was a dedicated supporter of Manchester United.

The 37-year-old football journey began at Leafield Athletic Ladies, followed by a stint at the youth team of Birmingham City Ladies under the guidance of manager Marcus Bignot.

Before retiring from professional football in January 2020, Eniola Aluko also provided television commentary on football, including FIFA Men’s and Women’s World Cups.

From Football Punditry to Ownership

Eniola Aluko’s journey from professional player to club owner is a testament to her dedication to football to make a positive impact. As an established figure in the football world, her involvement is expected to elevate the profile of women’s football in Italy and inspire future generations of black sports investors and owners.

She has been a regular broadcaster for live football on ITV, BT Sport, Amazon Prime and Fox Sports in the USA, including men’s Premier League matches and Women’s Super League since 2014. She was the first Sporting Director for Angel City FC in the American National Women’s Soccer League and formerly held the position of Sporting Director at Aston Villa Women’s Football Club from January 2020 to June 2021

The acquisition of FC Como Women by the Mercury 13 group, led by Eniola Aluko, represents a significant milestone in Italian football history.

[lessirussolvr]

[rmfantasysetpieces1]

Eni Aluko is a part owner of FC Como

The primary owner is financial group, Mercury13

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/mar/12/mercury13-the-group-aiming-to-rethink-football-ownership-moving-the-goalposts

#RMSoccer

[theroyalsandi]

British Royal Family - The Prince of Wales made Miss Eniola Aluko, from Hampton, a Member of the Order of the British Empire at Windsor Castle, Berkshire. The honour recognises services to association football and to charity. | November 1, 2023

[world-of-wales]

THE PRINCE DIARIES ♚

1 NOVEMBER 2023 || INVESTITURE CEREMONY, WINDSOR CASTLE

The Prince of Wales hosted an Investiture Ceremony at Windsor Castle.

He presented Honours to a range of people from across the UK and in varied fields. Among those honored were Ayette Bounouri (Queen's Gallantry Medal), Eniola Aluko with her (MBE), Fallon Sherrock (MBE), Johnny Nelson (MBE), Sebastien Bechara (MBE) and Non Stanford (MBE) among others.

[opiatemasses]

Breaking Boundaries or Breaking Point? Joey Barton's Diatribe on Women Football Commentators

In the evolving world of football broadcasting, the game's flow is complemented and enriched by the voices describing its details. Recent comments regarding female broadcasters within men’s football made by former footballer Joey Barton has created uproar. As football fans we are not merely spectators, we are active participants, engaging in a larger conversation that helps to shape our experiences of the beautiful game. Interestingly, Barton’s recent remarks extend further than a single conversation: his comments added fuel to existing, wider conversations about diversity. Are we witnessing a necessary evolution in football commentary, or has the push for diversity reached considerable challenges?

What is happening?

Barton’s recent remarks, that began on the social media ‘X’ have sparked numerous reactions across the football community and beyond. Essentially, he is rejecting the idea of women having commentary roles in men’s football, branding this to be part of a broader ‘woke agenda’. His statements are not merely personal observations, deliberately stirring discussion about wider societal change and gender dynamics in the world of football broadcasting.

Joey Barton argues that he’s not against women because of their gender; he doesn’t like the principle of women being awarded roles that are important in men’s football as a way of showing people that they are inclusive. He believes that in football commentary people should be selected based solely on their skillset even if that means that there will be no women.

History of Women in Football Commentary

Sports commentary has had a long history of unequal treatment based on gender. Women have had a tough time getting into commentary for many years, and when they do their contributions are often not appreciated or taken seriously. Old-fashioned, stereotypical ideas and conventions about what men and women should do have shaped people’s perceptions of women football commentators. Barton’s comments fit into a similar narrative from history, where women are kept on the sidelines, trying hard to overcome long-standing prejudices. As described by Ali Bowes et al 2023 the increased inclusion of women as pundits in televised match coverage has been a gradual process.  In 2007 Jacqui Oatley became the first female football commentator on the television programme Match of the Day since its origins in 1964. The next female was former England International Eniola Aluko, breaking ground in 2014 as the first women in this presenting role. Aluko notably contributed to the television coverage of the 2018 World Cup, pushing her into the media spotlight.

Women reporters have often found it challenging to get players and coaches and even the audience to see them as reporters first and women second. A study made by Swanson 2009 was conducted where he interviewed female journalists. He found that they “spoke of a love or passion for sports” with the majority playing one or more sports in the past. This discredits the suggestion that women commentators are less knowledgeable, qualified, and professional than their male counterparts.

Has there been improvement?

Over a five-year span there has been an increasing number of female pundits. Looking at the research from David Lenton 2022 he identified that the presence of women covering men’s games, either as commentators or pundits has seen remarkable growth. It grew 5650% from 2016/17 to 2020/21 (from 12 appearances to 690). Two seasons ago (2020/21) saw 2500 male commentators and pundits appearing in all televised men’s games - a difference of 1810. While the female representation has grown dramatically, there is still a huge gap to fill.

Push for diversity

The push for diversity is a vital aspect of progress in the sports industry. It helps to break down historical barriers and provide opportunities for individuals regardless of gender. The drivers behind the push include the recognition that talent and expertise are not limited by gender but can be found in individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Alex Scott is a brilliant example of this. After retiring from football in 2017 she broke major barriers by becoming the first female football pundit at the World Cup for the BBC and joined Sky Sports Super Sunday as the first female pundit. Findings from 2017 found that 88.5% of sport reporters were male which makes Alex Scott’s achievement even more impressive.

Like any significant shift, there can be unintended consequences. As depicted by Burch et al 2023, even with female commentator's obvious expertise they often face scepticism about their knowledge and competence in sports. Additionally the rise of online platforms has exposed them to a wave of harassment and abuse, perpetuating a hostile and discouraging environment. However, within the industry the ongoing efforts to promote gender equality are evident. Gender pay gaps still persist, with female journalists earning less than their male counterparts for similar roles and responsibilities.

Some people support Barton and say that everyone has a right to an opinion. However, many others like me disagree with Barton’s outspoken standpoint. Football commentary and broadcasting should be platforms that embrace diversity and inclusivity. Dismissing the idea of women having roles in football commentary sustains current biases and contributes to the ongoing issue of sexism in football commentary. He pointed out how you need to play football at a high level to be able to talk about it, however there are many talented women broadcasters that didn’t play football at all. A couple that spring to my mind is Kate Abdo and Laura Woods. This makes me question whether Barton’s idea of who is ‘Credible’ is more about keeping things the way they’ve always been and maintaining sexism in football commentary.

So what is the solution? Football commentary has always been opinionated people sharing their opinions more than sharing facts. Fans may watch certain sport shows because they like personalities such as the CBS Sports Champions League Show, which is full of personalities including the likes of Thierry Henry, Micah Richards, Jamie Carragher and Kate Abdo. What arguably makes the show entertaining is that they are brilliant personalities while also reporting on the football. This has nothing to do with their gender which is why I don't understand Joey Barton's sexist comments.

Seeing change in the future

Football, as a dynamic and influential part of our cultural landscape, provides a unique platform for connection, dialogue and debate. Barton’s comments have sparked discussions reflecting the extremes within the football community. On one side, fans unite with a shared goal of supporting one another; while on the other side, you have people's passion which blinds their negative comments and viewpoints.

The necessary evolution in football commentary demands a positive change in fan engagement. Supporters should channel their voices to drown out the negativity. Embracing this shift will not only enhance the fan experience but also contribute to creating an inclusive and supportive environment within the realm of football commentary.

What’s your take on Joey Barton’s Views? Is the push for diversity in football commentary a necessary evolution, or does it risk undermining the credibility of the sport? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation.

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[footygirl114]

Dug back in the archives and I found out I was at a game and saw this line up play 🤯🤯

England Starting XI: Karen Bardsley; Claire Rafferty (Alex Greenwood 61), Steph Houghton(C), Casey Stoney, Lucy Bronze; Jill Scott, Karen Carney (Jade Moore 82), Katie Chapman (Fran Kirby 72), Lianne Sanderson (Fara Williams 61); Toni Duggan; Ellen White (Eniola Aluko 61). (4-4-2)

[hyperfixationsstation]

drama https://equalizersoccer.com/2023/05/16/angel-citys-hbo-series-insight-sean-nahas-freya-coombe-eniola-aluko/

i love drama

[alexbkrieger13]

The Mead stans don't realized, what Mead rrally said. Even in the article revision, the context is still the same. She denies racism in women football. I think she didn't listen to Eniola Aluko or Anita Assante. Two black footballer who experienced racism.

[mikunziv]

$100M Investment: Eniola Aluko Makes History as First Female Black Football Club Owner in Italy

Nigerian-born, former British footballer Eniola Aluko recently made history as the first black woman to own a football club in Italy.

[nghubs1]

ENI ALUKO BIOGRAPHY, EDUCATION, CAREER, CONTROVERSIES AND NET WORTH

ENI ALUKO BIOGRAPHY – Eniola Aluko MBE, born on February 21, 1987, is a British-Nigerian football executive, broadcaster, and former professional player, known for her versatility as a winger and striker. She has transitioned into roles off the field, notably as a broadcaster for live football matches. Aluko made history as the first Sporting Director for Angel City FC and previously served as…

[ffschweden]

Fotbollen i England växer så det knakar

Få länder har genomgått en så enorm utveckling av fotbollen som “moderlandet” England. När jag såg Chelsea för första gången 2013 ute i Tooting och träffade Emma Hayes, hennes assisterande Paul Green och landslagsspelaren Eniola Aluko efter en match mot ett amerikanskt universitetslag hävdade Hayes att England skulle ha världens bästa liga om 4-5 år. Man kan fortfarande diskutera om England har…

[qudachuk]

England’s hopes of earning qualification for Paris 2024 took a major hit with defeat to Belgium on Tuesday.

[youllalwaysfindyourwaybackhome]

Books I read in 2022

Books I started in 2021 and finished in 2022

Mother Tongue - Bill Bryson

Don't Shoot The Clowns - Jo Wilding

Domina: The Woman Who Made Imperial Rome - Guy De La Bédoyère

Books I read in 2022

Everything Is True - Roopa Farooki

Around the World in Eighty Days - Jules Verne

The Vínland Sagas - tr. Magnusson and Pálsson

They Don't Teach This - Eniola Aluko

Mansfield Park - Jane Austen

A Nurse's Story: My Life in A&E During the Covid Crisis - Louise Curtis with Sarah Johnson

The Harp in the South - Ruth Park

Goodbye and Keep Cold - Jenny Davis

Animal Farm - George Orwell

Istanbul: A Tale of Three Cities - Bettany Hughes

W.H. Auden: Poems - ed. John Fuller

Understanding Shinto - C. Scott Littleton

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams

The Restaurant at the End of the Universe - Douglas Adams

Life, the Universe, and Everything - Douglas Adams

So Long, and Thanks For All the Fish - Douglas Adams

Mostly Harmless - Douglas Adams

Gerard Manley Hopkins: Poems and Prose - ed. W.H. Gardner

Northanger Abbey - Jane Austen

The Hobbit - J.R.R. Tolkien

Artificial Condition - Martha Wells

All Systems Red - Martha Wells

Rogue Protocol - Martha Wells

Books I started in 2022 and am still reading

The Lord of the Rings - J.R.R. Tolkien

[world-of-wales]

The Prince of Wales presents Miss Eniola Aluko with her MBE in recognition of services to association football and to charity || 1 NOVEMBER 2023

[opiatemasses]

Sexism In Football: Female Pundits Are Here to Stay

WHAT’S THE PROBLEM

Football punditry, much like the sport in general, has for so long been dominated by men. Regular viewers of Sky Sports, TNT Sports and other sports broadcasters will be used to familiar faces of former professional footballers sitting around before, during and after a game to discuss the day’s event. The likes of Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher have been mainstays on television screens for over a decade and in that time they’ve provided analyses and entertainment for the masses.

Meanwhile, a positive movement during the last few years in football broadcasting is an increased number of female voices being heard. The first big changes came during the 2018 World Cup where Alex Scott and Eniola Aluko shared media duties alongside the usual male outfits. Since then, the two have become regulars both in the men’s and women's game and they’ve paved the way for others like them.

This increase in female pundits arguably is a determining factor in the growing levels of participation in the women’s game and in bridging the gap of equality in football through fair and equal representation. Sadly though, the growing awareness and representation of women in the male-dominated sport comes with its baggage. Many men have taken to Twitter (yes, I am refusing to call it ‘X’) to voice their disagreement over women being involved. Ex-professional footballer Joey Barton, who as of writing this, has garnered 2.8 million followers on the social media platform has been the loudest of the bunch, tweeting ‘Get them off the men’s football. Off the tele. Only there to tick boxes’ and ‘how is she even talking about men’s football. She can’t even kick a ball properly.’ These far-right, sexist, transphobic and racist ramblings from Barton have attracted considerable attention in the media with ITV Football deciding to stand up and respond in support of their female personnel stating that ‘football is for everyone’.

WHY HE’S WRONG

There are plenty of people online who align themselves with Barton’s train of thought. For a league as prestigious as the English Premier League shouldn’t the standard of broadcasting be as good as possible? Football analysis needs to be conducted by knowledgeable and experienced people. At times I personally have doubts whether the major broadcasters have the best in class to achieve high-quality discussion but to level that critique to an entire gender is both wrong and extremely dangerous. Barton suggests that women are not qualified enough to talk about the men’s game regardless of their playing experience. Are the two games so vastly different that the same principles and philosophies don’t apply? If so, then why isn’t Barton voicing his concerns over the male pundits who partake in the women’s game? Ironically, Barton continues to critique how supposedly ‘bad’ these women footballers are, yet by his standards, he doesn’t have the right to do that because surely only a woman can comment on women’s football. His tweets would have you believe that the men are exempt from criticism because they’ve earned the right to be there in the first place. Even if we ignore the fact that there are plenty of low-quality male pundits, does this also mean that journalists and fans can’t have an opinion on football because they haven’t played at a professional level?  A pundit being good or bad at their job is in no way related to their gender and if anything, Barton’s views are less about wanting the best quality of media commentary for the sport and are more about him spouting outdated sexist ideologies.

WHERE TO GO FROM HERE Women having equal opportunities and a platform to speak about football is good, actually. The views of Barton and others like him are, if anything, representative of a greater societal problem women face - institutionalised sexism. Like many aspects of society, football is designed by and for men. We see this in the gender pay gap, the inequality of opportunities and the hierarchical structures in place. In an article by Bowes et al (2023), they describe women’s involvement in football punditry as a double-edged sword as there is an increasing acceptance and support for women even whilst they’re working in a culture that is inherently and institutionally sexist, gendered and hierarchical.

People like Scott and Aluko are not only fantastic pundits who offer the same if not more knowledge than most of the male pundits, but they are also vital in providing role models for young girls around the world wanting to play football and their fresh insights and experiences that they bring to the discussions are a big positive in building awareness to the women’s game for both male and female viewers which will help shape a more diverse and equal sport.  As supported in an article by Kane from 1988 who described mass media as one of the most powerful institutions in shaping modern cultural values.

Eliminating more overt forms of sexism found on social media will take time but we can start by viewing these pundits not by their respective genders but as the professionals that they are. Fink (2018) found that the focus on women in sports media is rarely on their ability but instead on their physical appearance, femininity and/or heterosexuality. This is an example of the casual sexism that women in sports face every single day, and it’s inherent to patriarchal society and the football industry. We saw this at the 2018 World Cup when ex-player Patrice Evra patronised Aluko by slowly clapping and acting surprised after she made some well-considered analysis on the game between Serbia and Costa Rica. Whilst Joey Barton isn’t to blame for this particular incident it’s just another example of how his sexist views are ingrained within culture and manifest themselves in seemingly innocent ways. These kinds of comments and actions are anything but innocent though. Norman (2010) suggests that sport continues to support the ideology of male hegemony through the continuous marginalising and trivialising of women in sports, and whilst they don’t have as big of a direct impact on societal norms and standards, like Barton’s Twitter account, I’d hate to think about how many young boys watched Evra (a Manchester United legend and a widely beloved personality) and saw his behaviour in any way appropriate.

The road to total equality and diversity in sport is a long one, but it’s not impossible to reach the destination. We need more female representation in football, not less. People like Joey Barton won’t go away anytime soon but the least we can do is ignore the nonsense he spouts and support the women who ultimately got the job instead of him.

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