Alex Morgan of the U.S. answers questions during a news conference at Olympic Stadium on June 29, 2015 in Montreal, Canada. (Getty Images.)
× FIFA's comments on Alex Morgan's 'good looks' draw Internet ire
Alex Morgan of the U.S. answers questions during a news conference at Olympic Stadium on June 29, 2015 in Montreal, Canada. (Getty Images.)
ZURICH — International soccer governing body FIFA is drawing online criticism Tuesday after its comments on American star Alex Morgan leading up to the Women's World Cup Semifinal between the U.S. and Germany.
In a piece titled "Morgan looking for a fairytale finish," FIFA made note of Morgan's "good looks" to go along with her talent on the field.
Wrote FIFA,
Alex Morgan is one of the most popular players in USA women's football. A talented goalscorer with a style that is very easy on the eye and good looks to match, she is nothing short of a media phenomenon.
Morgan, now 25, was the youngest member of the Women's U.S. National Team during the country's 2011 World Cup run. The Olympic gold medalist has endorsement deals with Coca-Cola and Nike, among other brands, and has been featured on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition.
The article's inclusion of Morgan's attractiveness has provoked some displeasure on Twitter and elsewhere online.
"FIFA seems to be creeping on Alex Morgan," declared USA Today's "The Big Lead" blog.
Wrote one Twitter user, "Alex Morgan is attractive, but for FIFA to mention it in the 2nd line of a preview for the match tonight on their website is a bad job."
Alex Morgan is attractive, but for FIFA to mention it in the 2nd line of a preview for the match tonight on their website is a bad job.
— Scooter (@SeeSkott) June 30, 2015
"I believe that a player's looks don't matter," tweeted the New York Times's Andrew Das, a play on U.S. soccer's "I believe that we will win" chant.
In a tongue-and-cheek comment, TV analyst and retired soccer player Julie Foudy wrote on Twitter, "And she cooks and cleans like no other. Her ironing? Flawless."
https://twitter.com/JulieFoudy/status/615969092751728640
"High class from FIFA once again, this time in the lede of its Alex Morgan profile," tweeted Kit Fox.
FIFA's lead story comes just hours before the U.S. looks to oust Germany in Tuesday night's semifinal. The game will begin at 6 p.m. central.
The winner of that match will face either Japan or England in the final match July 5.
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