The United States Soccer Federation repealed their ban on kneeling during the national anthem after the US Women’s National Soccer team called for the policy to be lifted.
In a statement released on Thursday, U.S. Soccer said that the Board of Directors voted to repeal the policy on Wednesday — two days after the women’s team posted their statement demanding the change.
U.S. Soccer said, “The policy was put in place after Megan Rapinoe kneeled in solidarity with the peaceful protest inspired by Colin Kaepernick, who was protesting police brutality, and the systematic oppression of Black people and people of color in America. It has become clear that this policy was wrong and detracted from the important message of Black Lives Matter.”
The federation also apologized for the policy, saying, “We have not done enough to listen – especially to our players – to understand and acknowledge the very real and meaningful experiences of Black and other minority communities in our country. We apologize to our players – especially our Black players – staff, fans, and all who support eradicating racism … We have not used our platform as effectively as we should have.”
They added, “We are here for our players and are ready to support them in elevating their efforts to achieve social justice. We cannot change the past, but we can make a difference in the future.”
The U.S. Soccer Board of Directors voted yesterday to repeal Policy 604-1, which required our players to stand during the national anthem.
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) June 11, 2020
Black Lives Matter.
We can do more and we will. pic.twitter.com/wtyfkVZmsB
In their request, the women’s national team wrote, “The mere existence of the policy will continue to perpetuate the misconceptions and fear that clouded the true meaning and significance of Colin Kaepernick, Megan Rapinoe and other athletes taking a knee — that Black people in America have not been and continue to not be afforded the same liberties and freedoms as white people and that police brutality and systemic racism exist in this country.”
USWNT Player's statment re: @ussoccer's "Anthem Policy" pic.twitter.com/Jd4OtRDhRJ
— USWNT Players (@USWNTPlayers) June 9, 2020
The U.S. women’s national soccer team has an impressive history in American sports— since the sport was introduced to the Olympics in 1996, they have won four gold medals.
