Brazilian actress and model Fernanda Lima stole the show at the 2014 World Cup draw in a stunning gold dress – but FIFA were forced to say sorry after a string of complaints
FIFA once said sorry to viewers who were offended by the dress worn by Brazilian actress and model Fernanda Lima at the 2014 World Cup draw – which was watched by 500 million people.
Lima stole the show at Salvador draw alongside husband Rodrigo Hilbert by wearing a low-cut gold dress as her native Brazil prepared to host the final tournament the following summer.
Although Lima was praised by many for her appearance at the final draw, her choice of clothing left some feeling outraged – including prominent Iranian television presenter Adel Ferdosipour who spoke about their national broadcasting guidelines.
Ferdosipour said: “To be honest with you, the dress of the lady who presents the show does not meet our broadcasting guidelines at all.”
FIFA were forced to offer up a response, with a spokesperson being diplomatic before offering an assured personal view of the situation.
They 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.”
England women’s captain at the time, Casey Stoney, was also left unhappy at the draw, but not because of the dress worn by Lima.
She said: “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.”
The draw is thought to have been seen by more an 500 million people across 200 countries – and plenty of those watching at home seemed to have either a strong positive or negative opinion.
Fortunately for Lima, she was invited back by FIFA to host the short-lived FIFA Ballon d’Or ceremony alongside Ruud Gullit in January of 2014.
Following that, she appeared to present an award at the 19th National Television Awards alongside former England boss Roy Hodgson.
