FIFA apologised after revealing costume worn by ex-model ‘broke’ TV broadcasting tips
A spokeswoman for FIFA showed her true colours with her choice of words in the governing body’s official apology after an incident during a World Cup draw
FIFA were forced to apologise after a dress worn by a former model broke Iran’s broadcasting guidelines.
The incident occurred at the World Cup draw for the 2014 edition of the tournament in Brazil. Helping with the draw was former actress and television presenter Fernanda Lima, who caused controversy for her choice of outfit for the draw.
She wore a low-cut gold dress which showed her chest, which did not go down well in Iran, with television presenter Adel Ferdosipour making his feelings clear. Of course, Lima is a former model and was used to wearing revealing outfits during her time in the industry, but Iran were not pleased with it, nevertheless.
“To be honest with you, the dress of the lady who presents the show does not meet our broadcasting guidelines at all,” said Ferdosipour.
A spokeswoman for FIFA offered her apology to Iran after the incident but stood strong for Lima in spite of the apology.
“FIFA is sorry to hear that anybody took offence of this but on a personal note, as a woman, I would like to state there was nothing disrespectful about her dress,” said the spokeswoman.
FIFA had also been accused of discrimination by including Lima and her partner Rodrigo Hilbert, after they reportedly replaced Afro-Brazilian soap stars Lazaro Ramos and Camila Pitanga as hosts.
Sao Paulo state prosecutor Christiano Jorge Santos said: “Racism is a serious matter in Brazil. We need to find out if a crime was committed. We do not want the image of our people to be whitened or distorted.”
The situation escalated when Santos also commented on the decision to have black dancers perform: “This reinforces racism. It says black people can samba, but can’t present the draw.”
FIFA denied any wrongdoing on the accusation of racism from Santos, arguing the decision for the dancers to perform was made by a local company.
Former England women’s captain Casey Stoney wasn’t happy with Lima being included in the draw: “Giving the job to a model has sent out completely the wrong message.
“Unfortunately I wasn’t surprised. They could have had a woman high up in the game or else a player with proper international standing. This should have been about football.”
