The FIFA Club World Cup was at the center of a scorching controversy recently — not because of an unexpected goal or disappointing upset — but because of the dressing of a popular sports presenter, Eleonora Incardona. Her dress code has raised widespread criticism and further fueled debates regarding professionalism and standards in sports broadcasting.
Who Is Eleonora Incardona?
Eleonora Incardona is a well-known sports presenter employed by DAZN Sports Channel. Her designer looks and high-profile media exposure make her an influencer with over one million followers on social media. Her popularity, however, has not been without controversy, most notably over her on-screen wardrobe selection.
What Happened at the Club World Cup?
The accident occurred on the day of an elite FIFA Club World Cup fixture between Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). As PSG dominated the field with a breathtaking 4-0 win, most of the drama was shifted from the game onto the sidelines, where Incardona was broadcasting live.
Wearing ultra-short and revealing attire, Incardona’s looks soon turned into the center of attention in online circles. Social media websites were filled with a mixture of opinions — some criticized her for dressing inappropriately for a professional sporting event, while others rallied in support of her right to expression and personal style.
Backlash on Social Media
The reaction was instantaneous. Incardona was slammed by critics for dominating the match with what they described as an “attention-seeking” look. Various posts branded her dress as “unprofessional” and “inappropriate for live sports broadcasting.” There were even those who compared Incardona to Italian television personality Diletta Leotta, describing her as the “new Diletta” — a comment referring to another host often criticized for wearing glamorous outfits during sports coverage.
Conversely, however, a section of the fans rallied to her support, contending that one’s appearance is not up for police as long as the reporting is professional and accurate.
A Pattern of Controversy
This is not the first time Incardona has been in the headlines for her outfits. She was similarly criticized back on March 30, 2025, when she wore a transparent dress while covering another high-profile football event. That too created widespread uproar across all digital media, with people questioning whether it is suitable to wear such clothes while following journalistic ethics.
The Bigger Debate: Fashion vs. Professionalism
The ordeal has raised a wider debate within the world of sports journalism. Where should the limit between fashion and professionalism be drawn? Are TV channels required to have more formal dress codes for their on-pitch reporters, particularly at major international competitions?
This emerging debate is not so much about Eleonora Incardona. It is about the changing expectations from media houses and the delicate balance between presentation by the media and the public perception.
Conclusion
As much as Paris Saint-Germain’s emphatic victory over Atletico Madrid should have taken headlines, it was Eleonora Incardona’s wardrobe that grabbed the attention. The controversy is another reminder of the way visuals look, especially those of females in the media, remain under the lens, more so than the content they provide.
No matter how you look at it, whether as an issue of personal liberty or a moment of unprofessional judgment, one thing is for sure: this discussion is hardly settled.