Norway’s Beach Handball Team Fined After Not Wearing Bikinis

In a controversial decision, the European Handball Federation has fined Norway’s women’s handball team for wearing shorts rather than bikini bottoms. The fine totals close to $2,000, or approximately $177 per player.

The EHF claimed that the attire adorned by the team was “not according to the Athlete Uniform Regulations defined in the IHF Beach Handball Rules of the Game.”

Norway blasted the decision in official statements and on social media.

While men are allowed to wear tank tops and shorts, women are required to wear both bikini tops and bottoms. “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 regulation states.

What Norway will do in future competitions regarding this rule is not yet known.