Pink backs Norway’s beach handballers over ‘sexist’ clothing

“I’m very proud of the Norwegian female beach handball team for protesting the very sexist rules about their ‘uniform,'” the American tweeted. “Good on ya, ladies. I’ll be happy to pay your fines for you.”

I’m VERY proud of the Norwegian female beach handball team FOR PROTESTING THE VERY SEXIST RULES ABOUT THEIR “uniform”. The European handball federation SHOULD BE FINED FOR SEXISM. Good on ya, ladies. I’ll be happy to pay your fines for you. Keep it up.

— P!nk (@Pink) July 25, 2021

The sport’s rules state that female players must wear bikini bottoms, and that these must have a “close fit” and a side depth of no more than 10 centimeters. Male players, however, can wear shorts.

Last week, the European Handball Federation said that the Norway team had worn “improper clothing” and imposed a fine of €1,500 ($1,771).

“In the bronze medal game against Spain on Sunday the team of Norway played with shorts that are not according to the athlete uniform regulations,” the federation wrote in a statement published on its website.

On Monday, the federation announced that it had donated the fine to a “major international sports foundation which supports equality for women and girls in sports” and said it was lobbying the International Handball Federation for a change in the rules.

The fine has sparked a raft of criticism in Norway, with the country’s beach handball federation praising the team’s stance and the Norwegian sports minister calling the fine “totally ridiculous.”

Female players have long complained of finding bikini bottoms uncomfortable and degrading.

For anyone curious, this is a group shot of both beach handball teams from Norway. pic.twitter.com/sJdnlsojzB

— Ina Aletheia (@inaaletheia) July 18, 2021

Responding to Pink’s offer on their Instagram account, the Norway team – which previously said they were “proud about making a statement” – thanked everyone for their support.

“We really appreciate all the love we have received,” they wrote under an image of themselves wearing their shorts. “You guys are the best.”

jmc (AP, Reuters)

Source: DW