Controversy rages in the world of professional beach volleyball before Qatar hosts a tournament on the women's circuit from 8 to 12 this month for the first time in history.
The fact that the event will take place in an Arab country (specifically in Doha, its capital) led the International Federation (FIVB) to change the dress code to encourage the use of "shirts and long pants"
as a sample of respect for "local culture and tradition", instead of traditional bikinis.
But
some players have decided not to swallow with this request, even more so when the average temperatures in that area of the planet and at this time of year move between 18 and 27 ºC.
The German couple formed by Karla Borger and Julia Sude, one of the best on the circuit, threatened to boycott the event if the use of clothes more in line with the weather was not allowed and finally the FIVB has backed down.
In a statement released by
AFP
on Tuesday night, they announced that there will be no restriction on outfits:
"During the competition in Doha, if players ask to wear the usual outfit, they will be free to do so."
The players had already given their approval to the entity in a prior consultation to hold this tournament in Qatar.
Borger, in statements to
Der Spiegel
, assured that what is now is not a whim and that, although in normal times he would not have problems "adapting", the "extreme heat" in Qatar makes the bikini "necessary".
The Spanish Liliana Fernández also spoke out about it before the mess.
"In principle I don't think it will have an impact. We have already competed on many occasions, especially when it is cold, with long leggings and shirts with sleeves. Another thing is that there is a lot of heat in Doha and it does affect us or even us uncomfortable "
.
For now the matter seems settled.