Former FIFA council member Moya Dodd has slammed the global footballing authority for appointing supermodel Adriana Lima as the first global fan ambassador. Dodd believes this decision seems to be baffling as it sends the wrong message to fans and players of the sport.
The former council member also described the model's appointment to be ‘tone deaf’ ahead of the 2023 Women’s World Cup. FIFA has justified the appointment of the Brazilian Adriana Lima by stating that the 41-year-old will “develop, promote and participate in global initiatives” in the year leading up to the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Maya Dodd said, “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. In a FIFA World Cup year, that’s the message that should be ringing loud and true around the world. Where a supermodel fits into this is truly baffling.”
Dodd has played international football for Australia and worked with FIFA as a council member from 2013 and 2016. She was also part of the committee which was responsible for Australia and New Zealand’s successful bid for the hosting rights of the upcoming Women’s World Cup.
Further in her criticisms of the Brazilian Super Model, Dodd also referred to Lima’s comments made in a 2006 interview with the GQ magazine in which she said abortion was "a crime". Lima's publicist, Laurent Boye has addressed this comment and stated that these comments were made 17 years and she has since evolved her stance on the issue.
"We can proudly say that Ms Lima has been promoting a healthy lifestyle for several years and like many people, her position on many LGBTQIA+ and women issues has evolved and she is considered an ally," Boye said in a statement.
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