Our International 20×20 Women in Sport award this week goes to former England soccer international Eniola Aluko, who has just published a memoir “They Don’t Teach This” which details her battle with the English FA after she highlighted a culture of racism in the set-up for the English women’s International team.
A remarkable woman she has played more than 100 times for England. Born in Nigeria she moved to England as a baby. She is a qualified lawyer who graduated with a first class degree from Brunel University London. The first ever female pundit on Match of the Day she also writes a column for the Guardian. Most recently she has played her football in Italy for Juventus wining both Cup and League last season. It is, however, as a whistleblower that she is destined to be best remembered. And her book goes into this in detail from her initial accusation of racism by the management team foe the England women’s international team to taking on the FA for turning a blind eye to her accusations.
Undoubtedly her international career has suffered as a result of what she has done, but while not claiming credit, she points to other recent examples where the New Zealand, Australian and US (World Champions) women’s teams have all gone public to highlight issues where women are disadvantaged.
She is a real champion for women in sport everywhere.
They Don’t Teach This by Eniola Aluko is published by Yellow Jersey Press.