Pink Offers To Pay 'Sexist' Fine For Women's Handball Team Who Wore Shorts

Updated September 8, 2021

After a long postponement, the Olympics are back on once again. And it's clear from new events such as skateboarding that this year's events have us looking at the long-standing institution differently than in years past.

However, this is true in more ways than just the ways that athletes throughout the world are competing. That's because the games this year come at a time when the wider world of sports is at a turning point as athletic commissions are now having their practices examined by the public at large.

And while some recent stories have looked at issues athletes have had with media communication requirements and the substances these commissions test for, observers have seen plenty of reason to take aim at their dress codes as well.

On July 19, the European Handball Federation found itself in the public's crosshairs after imposing a fine equaling $1,771 on a team from Norway.

Wikimedia Commons | Marcus Cyron

According to the BBC, the issue concerned the fact that the team in question were not wearing required bikini bottoms like the ones shown here.

Prior to their participation in the most recent tournament, the Norwegian women's beach volleyball team had petitioned the federation to let them wear the shorts they had trained in instead.

However, NBC News reported that they were threatened with a fine or disqualification in response.

Nonetheless, they wore the shorts during a bronze medal game with Spain and each player received a 150 euro ($177) fine as a result.

According to Insider, the team's choice was supported by the Norwegian Handball Association, who pledged to fight to change international regulations to allow athletes to "play in the clothes they are comfortable with."

And while the association had already stated that they'll pay any fines the team incurs, a recent public statement by recording artist Pink seems to suggest they won't have to.

As she tweeted out on July 24, "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."

She also extended a personal message of support for the women on the team, saying, "I'd be happy to pay your fines for you."

In addition to the specific requirement for bikini bottoms, these accusations of sexism stem from the inconsistency in unform requirements between male and female players.

As Insider reported, the International Handball Federation requires outfits that bare the midriff and feature "a close fit and cut on an upward angle toward the top of the leg" for women, while men are permitted to wear shorts that end four inches above the kneecap.

No explanation is provided in the game's official rules for this difference.

h/t: Insider

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