New dress code outrages German handball boss
Iran also took part in the Women's World Handball Championship. DHB President Michelmann criticizes the world federation, which made this possible with a rule change. In principle, however, he welcomes the fact that the Iranians were allowed to compete.
Andreas Michelmann has strongly criticized the rule change made by the International Handball Federation IHF immediately before the Women's World Handball Championship regarding the players' clothing. It was this step that made it possible for Iran to take part in the tournament in Scandinavia. "This meant that the women from Iran competed almost fully clothed, with the exception of their faces. Who knows how dynamic and sweat-inducing our sport is - I can't really imagine that being appropriate," said the President of the German Handball Federation.
Michelmann showed no understanding whatsoever for the measure that allowed the Iranian women to compete in headscarves and long pants. "For me, sport has always been characterized by the fact that there are certain rules and everyone who wants to take part in it has to abide by them. I have the feeling that we have caved in to the mullahs so that they can take part," said the head of the German association. The 64-year-old added: "I would like to see similar rules for their men." The world federation was asked for a statement on Michelmann's criticism.
He could understand "that the IHF wanted to find a solution so that the Iranian women could take part in the World Cup with their headscarves and long pants," Michelmann continued. "If you saw the players' shining faces, you could say, okay, it might be worth it," admitted the DHB boss. However, he was concerned with the general question: "Is sport able to be independent of political and religious beliefs or have certain religious beliefs become so ingrained in sport that we consider it normal?"
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Iran's women's handball team participated in the handball world cup, despite controversies regarding their attire. Despite criticisms from the DHB President, Michelmann, the International Handball Federation (IHF) allowed Iran to compete with their specific clothing requirements, including headscarves and long pants.
Source: www.ntv.de
