FIFA criticized for appointing supermodel Adriana Lima as Women's World Cup ambassador

FIFA announced on Monday that Adriana Lima will be their global fan ambassador ahead of the Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Adriana Lima will "

develop, promote and participate in several global initiatives

" in her role, said FIFA in a statement on Monday.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said:

"When you get to meet Adriana, you feel right away her warmth, kindness, and how approachable and passionate she is about our game. She lives and breathes 'futebol' and that is also why she can be an excellent link between FIFA and fans worldwide.”

Moya Dodd, a former member of the FIFA executive committee from 2013 to 2016, has criticised FIFA's decision to appoint a supermodel. Former

footballer said it was a "truly baffling" decision that was "tone deaf”.

Adriana Lima in a 2006 GQ interview was reported as saying she considered abortion "a crime”.

Dodd wrote on her Twitter page:

"Seriously, #FIFA, is this the fan engagement ambassador we need as the @FIFAWWC approaches? #tonedeaf".

Dodd added:

"#FIFA please say you’re not paying this supermodel more than the players get for being at the @FIFAWWC”.

Lima's publicist, Laurent Boye, said her position on women's issues has evolved in recent years.

"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.

"At the outset, the model's public image looked an odd fit for an organisation that says it wants to empower girls and women,"

Dodd wrote in a post on LinkedIn on Wednesday.

Dodd added:

”I asked whether the FIFA ambassador will be delivering messages on body image, wellbeing and healthy eating; or on a woman's right to choose?

"And it made me wonder: what will this ambassador represent to the large and growing population of aspirational #womensfootball players and fans who love the game because it shows us what empowerment and equality can look like?

"Because 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."

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