Italian Sports Reporter’s Revealing Outfit Sparks Debate
“Lack of Dignity” vs. “Personal Freedom”
A female sports reporter from Italy has sparked controversy after appearing in a revealing outfit at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup stadium. There is an ongoing debate online, with some defending the reporter's attire as a "matter of personal freedom," while others criticize it as "lacking professionalism and dignity."
According to the Daily Mail and other outlets on July 7 (local time), Italian reporter Eleonora Incardona recently chose to wear a striped cream-colored suit paired with a bra top while covering the Champions League semifinal between PSG and Munich at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, USA. Due to the high temperatures at the venue, she removed her jacket and continued broadcasting in just the bra top, which quickly became a hot topic online.
The Sun reported that "there has been a wave of reactions saying that wearing a bra-like top on air went too far," and added, "Some female broadcasters have publicly criticized her, saying her style and class were lacking for an official setting." According to the outlet, one broadcasting official pointed out, "Sports reporters are also the face of the broadcast who meet viewers. There needs to be a balance between expressing individuality and drawing excessive attention." Valentina Maceri, who covers the Champions League for Swiss broadcaster Blue, also stated in an interview with another media outlet, "Their choice of clothing does not show a willingness to engage with players or officials as equals," and criticized it as "an attitude lacking professionalism and dignity."
On the other hand, online reactions were divided. Some netizens responded critically, saying, "She lacks dignity as a reporter," "The revealing outfit was uncomfortable to watch," "She doesn't seem professional at all," and "It's shocking to conduct interviews in what looks like underwear." However, others defended her, commenting, "Clothing is a matter of personal freedom," "We should respect individuality," "She looked confident and stylish," "I liked the sense of confidence," and "I watched until the end because of this reporter."
Incardona posted photos of herself in the outfit on her social networking service (SNS) accounts, but has not made any public statement regarding the controversy as of yet. Incardona is both a reporter and an influencer with over one million followers. She is currently in a public relationship with Italian national football team midfielder Samuele Ricci.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
