FIFA apology after ex-model’s low-cut costume ‘broke’ broadcasting pointers
FIFA issued an apology after a jaw-dropping presenter received backlash amid plaudits for her eye-catching outfit during a live World Cup draw
Fernanda Lima took to the stage alongside former FIFA President Sep Blatter(Image: Getty Images)
FIFA were previously forced to issue an apology for a presenter’s glamorous outfit during the draw for the 2014 World Cup. The host’s low-cut dress was claimed to have broken a country’s broadcasting guidelines.
The latest edition of the World Cup has not been without controversy. The introduction of mandatory hydration breaks, Iran’s team base being moved to Mexico and the suspension of Folarin Balogun’s red card are just some of the topics that have sparked discussions throughout the tournament.
World Cups often present many issues away from the football pitch, with one arising before a ball had even been kicked in Brazil, 12 years ago. Actor and former model Fernanda Lima faced backlash after conducting the group stage draw alongside her husband, Rodrigo Hilbert.
Fernanda Lima stole the show at the 2014 World Cup draw in late 2013(Image: Getty Images)
Dressing for the grand occasion in December 2013, Lima wowed viewers with her eye-catching gold dress. However, her choice of outfit was notably criticised by Iranian TV host Adel Ferdosipour.
He said of Lima’s dress: “To be honest with you, the dress of the lady who presents the show does not meet our broadcasting guidelines at all.”
The attention surrounding Lima prompted an apology from FIFA, though it came with a caveat. A FIFA spokeswoman said: “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.”
Fernanda Lima wore a low-cut gold dress for the event(Image: Getty Images)
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Lima and Hilbert had already been at the centre of a debate after reportedly replacing Afro-Brazilian soap stars Lazara Ramos and Camila Pitanga as hosts. FIFA were accused of discrimination, with Sao Paulo state prosecutor Christiano Jorge Santos stating: “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 was further fuelled by black dancers performing during the World Cup draw, with Santos adding: “This reinforces racism. It says black people can samba, but can’t present the draw.” However, FIFA denied any wrongdoing and stated that a local firm had made production decisions.
Then-England captain Casey Stoney also spoke out against Lima landing the hosting role. “Giving the job to a model has sent out completely the wrong message,” Stoney argued.
Fernanda Lima then hosted the FIFA Ballon d’Or ceremony alongside Ruud Gullit(Image: Getty Images)
Sepp Blatter pays close attention to Brazilian model Fernanda Lima
“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.”
Despite the backlash she received, Lima returned to the footballing world to present the Ballon d’Or ceremony in 2014. Working alongside Ruud Gullit, Lima opted for a more conservative but equally stylish green dress for the occasion.
In the current World Cup, England are preparing to face France in the third-place play-off tonight. The World Cup final is set to be contested between European champions Spain and defending world champions Argentina on Sunday.
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