What started as a celebration of glamour and football at the Club World Cup has now turned into a fierce debate about professionalism, style, and women in sports media.
A group of Italian female football presenters has found themselves under scrutiny—not for their coverage or commentary, but for what they’re wearing on screen.
A Fellow Presenter Speaks Out
Valentina Maceri, a football presenter known for her Champions League work on Swiss broadcaster Blue, didn’t hold back in a recent interview.
She openly criticised the fashion choices of her peers—Eleonora Incardona (34), Giusy Meloni (26), Diletta Leotta (33), and Marialuisa Jacobelli (33)—all of whom are well-known faces on DAZN’s Italian football coverage.
Maceri, 31, claimed that the presenters’ outfits border on inappropriate and don’t align with what she believes a professional image should look like in sports broadcasting.
“Lacking Style and Class”
In her words, the women’s sideline appearances were “sometimes borderline.”
Speaking to BILD, Maceri said, “If you want to speak on an equal level with players and officials, it’s not conducive.”
She took particular aim at Incardona, who she said “presents betting odds very sexy—sometimes vulgarly.”
The comments have caused a stir, especially given that Maceri recently published a provocative book titled “F* Female Empowerment: The Great Mistake of Modern Feminism”**, in which she critiques how modern movements frame women’s progress.
Outfit Controversy Goes Viral
Maceri’s criticism comes shortly after Incardona went viral for her outfit during DAZN’s coverage of the PSG vs. Bayern Munich semi-final in Orlando, Florida.
Sporting a striped cream suit with a matching bra underneath, she posted multiple behind-the-scenes snaps from the matchday on Instagram, which quickly sparked a mix of admiration and backlash.
Her caption read, “Bye bye Orlando.
Heading to New York City,” alongside a photo with fellow DAZN presenter Ainhoa Perez, known for her work covering LaLiga.
Divided Reactions from Fans
Online reactions were split. Some fans felt the outfit was out of place for a sports broadcast.
One user commented, “I remember your recent interview where you said you were tired of being judged for your looks.
Of course, if you show up wearing a bra…” Another added, “You’re working, not at the beach. Out of place.”
Yet, not all comments were critical. One fan even praised her presence, writing, “You’re one of the reasons why this competition is worth following.”
Bigger Questions About Women in Sports Media
This controversy shines a spotlight on the broader conversation about women in football media—how they are perceived, judged, and treated compared to their male counterparts.
For some, it’s about respecting the job and the platform.
For others, it’s about embracing individuality and self-expression, especially in an industry where women have historically fought for a seat at the table.
Club World Cup Drama Goes Beyond the Pitch
While the Club World Cup has already faced criticism for its scheduling in the heat of the American summer, the off-field headlines about presenter fashion have dominated just as much discussion as the actual matches.
Whether you side with Maceri’s views or think fashion freedom should reign, one thing’s clear—the spotlight on these presenters isn’t going anywhere.
