HAVANA, Cuba. - The International Volleyball Federation has just approved the option of shorts for female players in the beach specialty. They will be thus able to replace the bikini as their attire. This decision will be in force starting on the XXX Olympic Games of London.

The world organization declared that athletes would thus be able "to cover themselves more", showing respect for the cultural beliefs of many nations. Richard Baker, IVBF spokesperson, said, "Many countries have religious and cultural requirements, so the uniform should be more flexible."

According to the report, the modified rule establishes now "short pants whose maximum length is 1.18 inches above the knee." Hence, there will soon be a parade at the "Horse Guards Parade", a stadium specially designed for fashion shows near Buckingham Palace, in London. People will be able to appreciate those that prefer the new outfit or those that, "under no circumstances", will opt for a change.

Beach volleyball has admittedly been one of the most attractive sports since it started in the Olympic Games in Sydney 2000. However, it is not the first to arise controversies because of its outfit. By the end of last year, it was suggested that female boxers would wear skirts during the Games in the English capital.

"In the last World Championship, the International Association of Amateur Boxing presented its athletes wearing skirts, instead of the usual shorts. The purpose was that spectators could distinguish them from men", declared BBC reporter, Jessica Creighton.

IAAB assured that the use of the new uniform in the Olympic Games would be optional. Nevertheless, some outstanding boxers were adamant, such as three times world champion, Irish Katie Taylor. She stressed, "I’m not going to wear a miniskirt. I don’t even wear miniskirts when I go out at night; therefore, there is no way I wear them in the ring." By: Ramon Rivera