Former England footballer and Gladiators legend John Fashanu has apologised publicly to his daughter, Amal. He also announced plans to divorce his wife, Vivian, after a family dispute.
Fashanu shared the clarification in a lengthy Instagram post and video. He admitted that a previous statement about Amal contained misinformation.
The former Wimbledon striker blamed his wife for giving him false information. 
Fashanu admits he was misinformed
Fashanu said he regretted believing information that damaged his relationship with Amal.
“The video I previously did was wrong,” he said.
He claimed Vivian influenced his earlier comments about their daughter. Fashanu then announced that he was divorcing Vivian.
“I was misinformed by my wife Vivian, who I’m sorry to say I am divorcing.”
He also said he would pursue legal action against the person responsible for the alleged misinformation.
Fashanu explained that he originally invited Amal to join his business because she remained important to him.
However, he admitted that he allowed outside influence to create tension between them.
“I deeply regret allowing that to happen,” he said.
‘Amal, I want to say I’m sorry’: John Fashanu publicly apologises to daughter
Fashanu directly addressed his daughter during the video. He apologised for his previous remarks and acknowledged the damage they caused.
“Amal, I want to publicly say I’m sorry for that previous video,” he said.
The former footballer said he had listened to someone else’s anger instead of trusting his instincts.
He insisted that he and Amal still share a strong relationship.
“Amal and I have a wonderful relationship,” Fashanu said.
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He added that she would always remain his first daughter and have a place beside him.
Fashanu also praised Amal for refusing to retaliate during their disagreement.
“Two wrongs don’t make a right,” he recalled her saying.
He said those words reminded him of her strength and character.
John Fashanu says family matters more than division
The 63-year-old also reflected on the importance of family. He said life was too short for prolonged disagreements among relatives.
“Life is too short for division. Family is everything,” Fashanu said.
His comments followed an earlier dispute involving claims Amal made about their relationship.
Amal previously said they had reconciled before her wedding and hoped Fashanu would attend. She also claimed he had been affected by a mysterious health condition.
Fashanu rejected those claims at the time and accused his daughter of trying to defame him.
His latest statement now marks a significant change in his position.
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Fashanu reconnects with Amal in Ghana
Fashanu appears to have taken steps towards repairing his relationship with Amal.
Days after releasing his clarification, he travelled to Ghana to visit her.
He visited Amal at her matcha shop, where she welcomed him warmly. Traditional drummers also greeted the former footballer during the visit.
Fashanu built his football career around Wimbledon, where he scored more than 100 goals.
He also helped the club win the 1988 FA Cup before retiring because of injury.
After football, he became associated with Gladiators and its famous “Awooga” catchphrase.
His latest actions suggest he now wants to put the family dispute behind him.
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