Paraguayan top-flight side Sportivo Ameliano has scrapped a strict dress code for journalists and photographers after a backlash led by glamour photographer Adriana Caballero, with club president Héctor Melgarejo calling the rules "madness".
Club tried to ban revealing outfits
The club introduced the new rules ahead of a match against Olimpia, banning female reporters from wearing low-cut blouses, tops exposing their belly buttons, or leggings unless they were black or dark blue. Male journalists were only prohibited from wearing shorts.
The policy, reported by Paraguayan tabloid La Nacion, came after a photograph of Caballero, 29, who has more than 200,000 Instagram followers, went viral online. Club officials reportedly took issue with her choice of clothing.
Photographer speaks out
Caballero, who has worked for Paraguayan newspaper Última Hora, said she was "shocked" that journalists were being judged on their appearances rather than their content. She explained that she chooses her work clothes based on comfort and practicality.
The club reportedly issued illustrations showing acceptable and unacceptable outfits, initially justifying the rules by saying the stadium was a family environment attended by children and their parents.
President apologises and rules scrapped
Club president Héctor Melgarejo distanced himself from the policy, insisting it had been issued without permission from the club's leadership. He told Paraguayan radio: "It's madness. They published it without authorisation. It's not what we stand for at Sportivo Ameliano. I apologise."
In another interview, Melgarejo dismissed the regulations as "a stupid thing", insisting journalists should be allowed to dress however they liked. The controversial rules have now been scrapped.
