The draw, held in December 2013, was presented by Fernanda Lima and Rodrigo Hilbert. The outfit drew particular criticism from Iranian television, where presenters must follow stricter broadcasting rules. The report says one presenter argued that Lima’s dress did not meet those guidelines.
’s response attempted to calm the dispute without condemning Lima’s appearance. A spokesperson reportedly expressed regret that anyone had been offended while defending the dress as respectful. That balancing act reflected the challenge of staging a single global event for audiences with very different cultural expectations.
The clothing controversy overshadowed a broader discussion about the ceremony itself. Reports at the time suggested that Lima and Hilbert had replaced Lázaro Ramos and Camila Pitanga, prompting accusations that the production lacked racial representation.
The presence of Black dancers added to the criticism. One argument was that the event risked presenting Black culture as entertainment while limiting Black participation in the most visible presenting roles. reportedly denied wrongdoing and said production decisions had been handled locally.
A separate criticism came from former England captain Casey Stoney, who questioned why a model rather than a woman connected directly to football had been chosen. That point remains relevant: major football ceremonies increasingly face scrutiny not only for appearance, but also for the message their casting sends.
Lima later returned to football’s global stage, presenting the Ballon d’Or ceremony alongside Ruud Gullit in 2014. The episode illustrates how events designed to promote the game can become stories about gender, race, culture and television standards.
The next World Cup draw will again be more than a scheduling exercise. Organisers will be judged on the format, the presenters and the cultural choices made before a ball is kicked.