Former England footballer and Gladiators presenter John Fashanu has publicly addressed a serious family dispute, issuing an apology to his daughter and revealing that he is in the process of divorcing his wife. The football legend released a lengthy statement on social media, where he admitted that he had previously shared incorrect information about his daughter, Amal, and expressed regret over allowing himself to be influenced by others.

Fashanu, who became a household name in the 1990s as the host of the popular television programme Gladiators, explained that his previous comments about his daughter were inaccurate. During his time presenting the show, he became famous for his energetic personality and the memorable catchphrase “Awooga,” which made him one of the most recognisable figures on British television.

In a video posted online, Fashanu attempted to clear up the situation and explain his side of the story. He admitted that the earlier statement he made was wrong because he had received misleading information from his wife, Vivian. He revealed that their marriage was coming to an end and confirmed that he was seeking a divorce.

The former footballer said he wanted to apologise directly to his daughter after learning the truth. He stated that he regretted the situation and suggested that legal steps would be taken against the person responsible for providing false information.

Fashanu explained that Amal had always been an important part of his life and that he was the person who originally invited her to become involved in his business affairs because she was his first daughter and someone he deeply valued. However, he admitted that he allowed himself to be affected by outside influence, which created unnecessary tension between them.

According to Fashanu, his soon-to-be former wife contributed to the disagreement between him and Amal, creating a divide that he now regrets. He said he was disappointed in himself for not trusting his own instincts and for allowing conflict to damage the relationship with his daughter.

Speaking directly to Amal, Fashanu offered a public apology for the previous video he had released. He explained that at the time, he had listened to another person’s anger instead of following his own feelings and understanding of his daughter’s character.

He emphasised that he and Amal actually share a strong relationship and that she will always have a special place in his life. Fashanu praised his daughter as an intelligent, confident, and caring person, saying that he could not be more proud of the woman she has become.

The former Wimbledon striker also highlighted Amal’s decision not to respond to the conflict with anger or revenge. He said her belief that “two wrongs don’t make a right” showed maturity and reflected the values she has always demonstrated.

Fashanu added that those words had remained with him and helped him recognise the type of person his daughter truly is. He expressed admiration for the way she handled the difficult situation with patience and dignity rather than escalating the disagreement.

The 63-year-old, who has been married three times throughout his life, also shared a message about the importance of family. He said that life is too short for arguments and division, stressing that family should always remain a priority. His comments suggested that he and Amal were working towards rebuilding their relationship after the dispute.

The latest statement came after an earlier disagreement between Fashanu and his daughter. Earlier in the summer, Amal had spoken about their relationship, claiming that they had repaired their bond before her wedding and that she hoped her father would attend the special occasion. She also mentioned that Fashanu had been affected by an unknown health issue that prevented him from being fully involved.

However, Fashanu rejected those claims at the time and accused his daughter of attempting to damage his reputation. The disagreement led to a public exchange between the two, but Fashanu’s latest message appears to represent an effort to correct the situation and restore their relationship.

Away from television and family matters, Fashanu remains remembered as one of England’s most recognisable football figures. During his playing career, he represented several clubs but became particularly famous for his time at Wimbledon. He scored more than 100 goals for the club and played a major role in their historic FA Cup triumph in 1988.

Known for his powerful style of play and strong presence on the pitch, Fashanu became one of Wimbledon’s most successful forwards. His performances helped establish him as a respected figure in English football before injuries forced him to retire during his early 30s.

Following his retirement from football, Fashanu moved into television and entertainment. He became the presenter of Gladiators alongside Ulrika Jonsson, where his enthusiasm and larger-than-life personality made him a favourite among viewers.

Despite his successful career in sport and television, Fashanu’s recent public statement has focused on personal matters and family reconciliation. By apologising to Amal and acknowledging his mistakes, he has indicated that repairing their relationship is now one of his main priorities.

The dispute has highlighted the challenges that can arise within families, especially when personal disagreements become public. Fashanu’s message shows his desire to move forward, accept responsibility for his actions, and rebuild the connection with his daughter.