FIFA's Decision To Appoint Sexy Model Adriana Lima As Women's World Cup Ambassador Drew Criticism

The Brazilian model, Adriana Lima, is the Ambassador of the Women's World Cup. (Photo: Twitter/@AdrianaLima)

JAKARTA - FIFA's decision to appoint a model from Brazil, Adriana Lima, as an ambassador for the 2023 Women's World Cup has drawn criticism. FIFA is considered 'deaf' to the messages that have been conveyed to the institution.

The criticism came from a former member of the FIFA Council from Australia, Moya Dodd. According to her, by choosing Adriana Lima, FIFA is considered to have made a physical appearance the wrong means of conveying values ​​in the Women's World Cup.

Dodd addressed the criticism while sharing a screenshot of Lima's Twitter profile, which shows the model in a nearly nude pose.

Seriously #FIFA are these the fan engagement ambassadors we need as @FIFAWWC approaches? #tonedeaf,” she said as quoted by Livescore.com on Friday, March 3.

Dodd added: "#FIFA please say you don't pay these supermodels more than the players at @FIFAWWC earn."

Dodd also reminded that women's football is valued because of the ability of young women to play the ball on the field, not through their physical appearance.

“When a child plays football, the world sees it in a different way. Instead of being praised for a good performance or a good outfit, she is judged for her clean tackles and brilliant goalscoring," said Dodd.

Isso significa o mundo para mim!. Feliz em ser a primeira Embaixadora Fan Global da FIFA! ⚽ pic.twitter.com/sO4wqzcbQ3

— Adriana Lima (@AdrianaLima) February 27, 2023

Apart from being a former FIFA member, Dodd is also a former Australian National Team player. She was part of the committee that successfully scored Australia and New Zealand to host this year's Women's World Cup.

Meanwhile, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said he chose Adriana Lima because the 41-year-old model has a love for football. Infantino added that Lima could bridge FIFA and women's soccer fans around the world.

“When you meet Adriana, you immediately feel her warmth, her kindness, and how approachable and passionate she is about our sport,” said Infantino.

"She lives and breathes 'futebol' and that's why she has been an extraordinary link between FIFA and fans around the world," he said.