Norway's Women's Beach Handball Team Fined For Wearing Shorts Instead Of Required Bikini Bottoms

The International Handball Federation is facing backlash and scrutiny after fining the Norwegian Women's Beach Handball Team for breaking a rule that states women in the sport must wear bikini bottoms.

The European branch of the Federation issued fines of €150 ($177) per player for "improper clothing" after reminding the team the rules surrounding attire state women must wear bikini bottoms "with a close fit and cut on an upward angle toward the top of the leg."

The women wore shorts instead.

Norway originally asked the European Handball Federation for permission to wear the shorts but were told they would be disqualified or fined if they did. In response, they chose to wear the shorts as a statement against the misogynistic rule.

Norwegian Handball Federation President Kåre Geir Lio has said that the national branch of the Federation will pay the fine on behalf of the girls.

"Women should have the right to have a uniform they think is suitable for performing in their sport," he said.

The Norwegian Federation also took a stand on social media where they stood behind the women's team.

"We ... stand behind you and support you...Together we will continue to fight to change the international regulations for clothing, so that players can play in the clothes they are comfortable with!"

The International Handball Federation's spokesperson, Jessica Rockstroh, told the New York Times that the reason for the rule was unknown, and that the organization would be "looking into it internally."