Pink has offered to pay the Norway women's handball team’s bikini bottoms fine

Virgin Radio

26 Jul 2021, 11:02

Last time we checked our calendars, it was the 21st Century. So it came as something of a surprise to learn that the Norwegian women’s handball team received a fine for wearing shorts instead of bikini bottoms in a recent match. Thank goodness then, for Pink, who has not only shone a light on the injustice of the ruling, but has offered to pay off the team’s fine. What a legend.

The handball team wore shorts rather than bikini bottoms for their match against Spain at the European Beach Handball Championships last week. This caused the European Handball Federation (EHF) to fine the team $1,765 (£1,283), which equates to approximately $176 for each player. The reasoning for the fine was that the women wore “improper clothing” while playing. 

Whilst male players are permitted to wear shorts, according to the International Handball Federation’s rules, women players have to wear bikini bottoms. 

Pink reacted to the archaic ruling by posting on Twitter, “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.”

Meanwhile, the Norwegian Handball Federation (NHF), quite rightly defended their team’s choice of kit, and said they would pay the fine. “I got a message 10 minutes before the match that they would wear the clothing that they were satisfied with. And they got our full support,” NHF President Kåre Geir Lio told NBC News.

The decision to fine the team for wearing shorts unsurprisingly caused anger on social media. One Twitter commenter said, “Either men should be forced to wear speedos, or women allowed to wear functional clothing.”

Regarding the fine, another Twitter user said, “They shouldn't pay. As simple as that. Instead shame these dinosaurs who uphold these primitive rules.”

Following the reaction, EHF’s president Michael Wiederer said in a statement, “I can confirm that the EHF will do all it can to ensure that a change of athlete uniform regulations can be implemented.

“Significant efforts will be made in order to further promote the sport in the best way possible for everyone, regardless of gender.”

The Norgewian team posted a message on their instagram page saying, “Thank you so much for all the support. We really appreciate all the love we have received.”

One commenter said, “Thank YOU for being a great inspiration and for making a statement.”

Another added, “I am so proud of these incredible women for standing up for what they believe in.”