Pink has stepped up with an offer for the Norwegian female beach handball team, after they were handed a fine regarding their official uniform.
The team were dealt a €1,500 fine from the European Handball Federation for wearing bike shorts instead of bikini bottoms during their European championship match against Spain.
According to the EHF, the Norwegian team’s shorts were ‘not according to the Athlete Uniform Regulations’. It’s a bizarre ruling, for sure, and Pink made her opinion known about it on social media.
Posting on Twitter, the singer said, “I’m very proud of the Norwegian female beach handball team for protesting the sexist rules about their ‘uniform’.”
The move to fine the female team was criticised by Norway’s Sports Minister Abid Raja, who noted that the rule was stupid.
“As Minister of sports and equality in Norway I have sent letter to all nordic ministers of sports for a joint statement to support our women.” he wrote on Twitter.
“I hope all the fans and friends you have give all their support as well,so we can change this stupid rule!”
Thankyou for your support P!nk! As Minister of sports and equality in Norway I have sent letter to all nordic ministers of sports for a joint statement to support our women. I hope all the fans and friends you have give all their support as well,so we can change this stupid rule! https://t.co/18O5ugC2MD
— Abid Raja (@abidraja) July 25, 2021
The team has thanked people for their support and also to Pink, who ultimately offered to pay the fine.
“The European Handball Federation should be fined for sexism,” Pink wrote. “Good on ya, ladies. I’ll be happy to pay for your fines. Keep it up.”
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 EHF meanwhile, has stood by their decision. From their perspective, the issue of female uniforms was to be discussed in August, but the Norwegian team pushed ahead to wear shorts instead.
“Athletes’ uniforms and accessories contribute to helping athletes increase their performance as well as remain coherent with the sportive and attractive image of the sport,” the uniform regulations say.
“Female athletes must wear bikini bottoms … with a close fit and cut on an upward angle toward the top of the leg.”
Beach Handball’s rules currently stipulate that men must wear tank tops and shorts as their uniform, with women needing to wear tops and bikini bottoms.
