International Handball Federation changes ‘sexist’ uniform regulations following criticism
The European Handball Federation had said the shorts were “improper clothing” in the statement announcing the 1,500 euro (around $1,735) fine — 150 euros ($173) per player.
The new uniform regulations, which are dated October 3, state that “female athletes must wear short tight pants with a close fit” and also include tank tops for women, rather than the crop tops stipulated in the old regulations.
Male players are also instructed to wear tank tops and shorts, although there is no stipulation for the shorts to be tight-fitting as stated in the women’s regulations.
Since the fine was imposed on the Norwegian team, handball authorities have been put under considerable pressure to amend their regulations.
A change.org petition calling for the fine to be dropped and for women to be allowed to compete in shorts gained more than 60,000 signatures, while sports ministers from Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden also called on the IHF to review its uniform policy.
“We just want to be treated at the same level as the guys.”
The IHF did not immediately respond to CNN’s request for comment.
“Over the years, the IHF has launched many projects and initiatives to help achieve this objective, among others by introducing more international competitions and global education programmes for beach handball. This goal is of particular importance as the IHF aims for beach handball to be included in the Olympic programme … [T]he IHF would like to emphasise again that handball athletes are their main asset and within the organisation, the IHF will always listen to what they have to say.”
CNN’s Amy Woodyatt and Toyin Owoseje contributed to reporting.
