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Adriana Lima (Image Credit: Twitter)
Supermodel Adriana Lima's appointment as an ambassador of the Women's FIFA World Cup 2023 has attracted criticism from former player Moya Dodd. The latter also happens to be a former member of the FIFA council.
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She started by saying "When a girl plays football, the world sees her differently," Dodd said.
"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."
Arianna Lima is a misfit for the role: Moya Dodd
The former Australia international Dodd added that Lima is a misfit for the role. Notably, the former served on the committee for Australia and New Zealand's successful bid to co-host the World Cup.
She said "odd fit for an organisation that says it wants to empower girls and women".
"I asked whether the Fifa ambassador will be delivering messages on body image, wellbeing and healthy eating," Dodd added in a post on LinkedIn on Wednesday.
"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?"
Doda also referred to comments Lima made in a 2006 interview with GQ magazine in which she said abortion was "a crime". However, Lima's publicist Laurent Boye said the model's stance had changed.
"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.