The Associated Press is reporting that FIFA is not happy with some national broadcasters at this year’s World Cup. The organization says that some outlets are focusing too much on attractive women in the stands. There is no sign that Fox was one of those outlets.
FIFA wants fewer images of attractive women in World Cup stadiums shown on future broadcasts.
FIFA diversity chief Federico Addiechi says soccer’s world body will talk with national broadcasters and its own TV production team.
The subject arose Wednesday in a review of FIFA’s anti-discrimination program in Russia. Monitors identified sexist incidents including fans harassing female broadcasters as having been a bigger problem so far than acts of racism.
Addiechi says FIFA’s stance is “a normal evolution,” and broadcasts in Russia have already improved from the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
He says FIFA has already intervened with broadcasters “on a case-by-case basis when some cases arose and they were pretty evident.”
The focus on sexism is another sign of the changing times at FIFA. It wasn’t that long ago that disgraced FIFA president Sepp Blatter suggested that teams at the Women’s World Cup wear skimpier uniforms to increase ratings. He also allegedly molested Hope Solo at the 2013 Ballon d’Or ceremony.
It’s interesting to note that Russia’s national broadcasts have been singled out as particularly good. It is in keeping with the overall positive feedback the host nation has received for the 2018 tournament.
The UN has already condemned the sexual harassment of female reporters in Russia. Several instances have been reported.
