By Diane Alter

London, England, United Kingdom

Under new rules adopted by the International Volleyball Federation, female beach volleyball players are now free to wear shorts and sleeved tops at the 2012 London Olympics.

The governing body said the move was made out of respect for the cultural beliefs of some of the dozens of countries still in contention to qualify for the games.

The rule, which will apply to the Olympics, has already been in effect at five Continental Cup qualifying competitions involving 142 nations. It was not revealed what countries lobbied to be allowed to cover up in London.

While most female players will opt to wear the usual bikini outfits, with the new rule those that prefer to cover up may now do so.

 

 

Female Beach Volleyball Players Can Shed Bikinis at 2012 Olympics