Emma Hayes shared an emotional tribute to her father during her latest appearance on ITV’s World Cup programming.
On Sunday night (21 June), the league-winning manager and pundit wore a specially designed slogan on her jacket, days after being at the centre of a controversy surrounding ITV’s presentation of her segments.
Following the England-Croatia fixture last week, ITV attracted widespread criticism for having Hayes deliver tactical insights on a chalkboard in front of a set that many viewers claimed resembled a kitchen.
The incident prompted a wave of sexist abuse to be directed at Hayes on social media; on subsequent episodes, the presentation of the set was altered in an apparent reaction to the criticism.
Towards the end of Sunday’s World Cup coverage, Hayes, 49, marked the occasion of Father’s Day with a message.
“One last thing, happy Father’s Day to everyone at home,” she said. “I know it’s a great day, and it’s also my father’s heavenly birthday today, and I want to say one thing to you, Dad, up in heaven.
“Thank you for giving me so much confidence to have the opportunity to do this, and so I leave you with this beautiful view.”
Hayes then turned around, revealing the words “she will change the world” emblazoned on the back of her jacket.
Sid Hayes, the father of Emma, who coaches the US Women’s football team, died of lung cancer in 2023.
He was remembered at the time as a pioneer of women’s football, having played a key role in the Arsenal women’s setup, as well as various youth teams.
At the time, Hayes said: “He was my champion. He always told me, ‘You are going to change the face of the women’s game. But make sure you go hard. Whip it up’. He gave me confidence to take risks, to go after it.
“Nothing was ever enough for him. It was always about doing something for others and teaching people, from what you do in training to your menstrual cycle. ‘Teach the world,’ he used to say – and call out the crap behaviour. There is no question I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am without him.”
Hayes, who is best known for her septuple-league-winning stint as manager of Chelsea, is one of the highest-profile pundits on ITV’s World Cup roster.
She joins names such as Gary Neville, Roy Keane and Ian Wright among the broadcaster’s team for the tournament, which is taking place in the US across June and July.
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