Last week, we reported on Norway’s beach handball team who was fined €1,500 (CAD$2,228) for wearing spandex shorts instead of bikini bottoms during the team’s bronze medal match at the European Beach Handball Championships.
A week later, U.S. pop singer Pink has offered to pay the fine given to the Norwegian sports team. The singer made the announcement over the weekend on Twitter writing, she was "very proud" of the team for protesting the rule that prevented them from wearing shorts like their male counterparts.
“Good on ya, ladies,” she wrote. I’ll be happy to pay your fines for you. Keep it up.”
According to the International Handball Federation regulations, 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, or about 4 inches.
However, their male counterparts are allowed to wear shorts, as long as they clear 10 centimeters above the kneecap.
The bikini controversy erupted just before the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, where multiple incidents have also provoked discussion about female athletes’ attire.
