The International Handball Federation has finally scrapped a rule that saw the Norwegian women's beach handball team fined for wearing shorts instead of bikini bottoms.
Back in July, Norway's female team was fined 1,500 euros (roughly $1,760 USD) by the Disciplinary Committee of the European Handball Federation after all 10 players broke the dress code during a game at the European Championships.
The decision to fine the team was met with backlash online, especially considering the fact that men's teams were allowed to wear shorts and vests.
Per CBS News, IHF rules stated that "female athletes must wear bikini bottoms [...] with a close fit and cut on an upward angle toward the top of the leg. The side width must be of a maximum of 10 centimeters."
Commenting on the decision in an official statement, a spokesperson for the EHF wrote: "The Disciplinary Commission at the Beach Handball EURO 2021 has dealt with a case of improper clothing.
"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 defined in the IHF Beach Handball Rules of the Game."
Following the fine being issued, Norway’s Minister for Culture and Sports Abid Raja tweeted (translated): "It’s completely ridiculous [...] What a change of attitude is needed in the macho and conservative international world of sport."
Popstar Pink even spoke out about the ruling, and even offered to pay the team's fine.
"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," she wrote.
Now, Insider has reported that the IHF has finally updated its official Beach Handball Rules of the Game and now allows female players to wear tank tops and shorts instead of bikini bottoms and crop tops.
The decision comes after Sports Ministers from Finland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Iceland wrote a joint open letter to the IHF and other sporting bodies asking them to revise the outdated dress regulations.
The letter called for a decision to be made that would "allow athletes to be dressed in a way that suits performance and comfort", and stated: "We emphasize the need for action not only to accommodate current female athletes, but also to support and encourage all athletes regardless of their gender or background to remain in sport."
