FIFA slammed for choosing lingerie model as Women’s World Cup ambassador
The world football governing body, Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) has come under the hammer for appointing a supermodel, Adriana Lima as its official ambassador for the Women’s World Cup.
The decision by the body has been by critics as “tone deaf” and unnecessary”.
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This comes after FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced the appointment of former Victoria’s Secret model Lima will help build an “excellent link” between the football body and fans worldwide.
Lima was present at the FIFA The Best awards in Paris held earlier in the week, there are claims that she an avid football fan but from indications there is no prove she had prior connection to the sport.
Moya Dodd, one-time vice-captain of the Australian women’s team, has been among the former players and gender equality campaigners to question the appointment.
Dodd has said Lima starved herself for nine days before fashion shows and highlighted that she called abortion “a crime” in a 2006 interview with GQ magazine, while describing FIFA’s decision to bring her on board as “tone deaf” on social media.
“What will this ambassador represent to the large and growing population of aspirational women football players and fans who love the game because it shows us what empowerment and equality can look like?” Dodd asked.
“Because when a girl plays football, the world sees her differently. Instead of being complimented on her nice looks or her pretty dress, she is valued for her game-saving tackles and brilliant goal-scoring.
“She’s admired for what she can do, rather than how she looks, putting her on a more equal footing with her brothers in a way that can alter the whole trajectory of her life’s ambitions.”
Also, Women Sport Australia president, Gen Dohrmann has echoed Dodd’s reaction and questioned why FIFA neglected legends like Megan Rapinoe or Sam Kerr were ignored for the role.
“It’s definitely a different approach to the men’s game,” she said.
“You would see Cristiano Ronaldo as the poster boy of the men’s World Cup, so why do we need a supermodel when we could choose Meg Rapinoe, or Sam Kerr, or someone who has international accolades in the sport we are actually promoting? That is the type of role model that should be at the front of this campaign.”
To this, Infantino, has defended Lima’s induction, praising her love for football.
“When you get to meet Adriana, you feel right away her warmth, kindness, and how approachable and passionate she is about our game. She lives and breathes ‘futebol’ and that is also why she can be an excellent link between FIFA and fans worldwide,” Infantino said in a statement.
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