‘Why do we need a supermodel?’: Backlash after Fifa makes Adriana Lima Women’s World Cup ambassador

• Football body's decision criticised as tone deaf'
• Players and administrators have questioned why athletes were not chosen

Fifa's decision to appoint supermodel Adriana Lima as an official ambassador for the Women's World Cup was tone deaf" and unnecessary, according to former football administrators, players and gender equality campaigners.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino said Lima, a former Victoria's Secret model, lives and breathes" football and would be an excellent link" between the sporting body and fans worldwide. Lima describes herself as a football fan, but appears to have had no official involvement in the sport before now.