Former England footballer John Fashanu, of Nigerian descent, has publicly apologised to his daughter, Amal, for spreading misinformation about her, and announced he is divorcing his wife, Vivian, over the issue.
Apology and Divorce Announcement
In a video posted on his Facebook page on Saturday, Fashanu said Vivian misinformed him about his daughter. He also announced the divorce, reversing his earlier stance from May when he had denied claims involving Amal and said she was not managing his affairs.
Fashanu, 63, said: “I’m here today to clarify a few very important things. The video I previously did was wrong. I was misinformed by my wife, Vivian, whom I’m sorry to say I’m divorcing. Now that I’m aware of the truth, I apologise to my daughter, Amal, and legal action will be taken against the liar.”
Clarifying the Father-Daughter Relationship
He added that he and Amal share a wonderful relationship, and that he had invited her to help with his business because she is his first daughter. “The truth is, Amal and I have a wonderful relationship. She will always be my first daughter, and she will always have a place by my side, helping me with my affairs. I couldn’t be prouder of the intelligent, strong and compassionate woman she has become.”
Fashanu also praised Amal for not retaliating, quoting her words: “Two wrongs don’t make a right.” He said, “I’m grateful that love has always been stronger than misunderstanding. Have a wonderful day, everyone. God bless.”
Backstory and Context
The apology follows an interview Amal gave to the British tabloid Daily Mail, in which she said she had reconciled with her father days before her wedding to Ghanaian billionaire Mohamad Odaymat. She also said Fashanu had been “laid low by a mystery condition” possibly linked to heading footballs during his 17-year career.
Amal expressed hope that Fashanu, who has lived in Nigeria for 13 years, would recover in time to attend her wedding as a guest of honour. The divorce announcement and apology mark a significant reversal from Fashanu’s earlier accusations, with legal action now pending against the source of the misinformation.
