FIFA slammed for ‘tone deaf’ appointment of supermodel Adriana Lima as ambassador
FIFA’s nomination of supermodel Adriana Lima as its worldwide fan ambassador just five months before the Women’s World Cup has been condemned as “tone deaf” by the former FIFA council member Moya Dodd.
The supermodel was given the role in order to “develop, promote and participate in global initiatives” ahead of the Women’s World Cup later this year.
FIFA said the Brazilian Lima will “develop, promote and participate in global initiatives” before this summer’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand but Dodd, a former international player for the Matildas, says it sends the wrong message to players and fans.
However, the decision has been labeled as “tone deaf” by former FIFA council member and Australia international Moya Dodd.
Dodd believes that it is sending an inappropriate message to players and fans.
“When a girl plays football, the world sees her differently,” Dodd, who was one of the first women to serve on the FIFA council, said in a post on LinkedIn on Wednesday.
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Dodd said FIFA’s appointment of Lima “looked an odd fit for an organization that says it wants to empower girls and women.”
“I asked whether the FIFA ambassador will be delivering messages on body image, wellbeing and healthy eating,” she added.
Moreover, Women Sport Australia questioned why top women’s players weren’t used as ambassadors, rather than supermodels.
