U.S. Soccer Declares New Policy, Requires Players Must ‘Stand Respectfully’ During National Anthem

By  //  March 4, 2017

official policy for all U.S. Soccer

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(FOX SPORTS) – U.S. Soccer has adopted a policy that will require players, coaches and anyone involved with the national teams to “stand respectfully” during the playing of any national anthem.

The decision comes after Megan Rapinoe took a knee during “The Star-Spangled Banner” prior to a United States women’s match last fall to protest racial oppression in the country.

The new policy was revealed at U.S. Soccer’s Annual General Meeting on Saturday.

After Rapinoe took a knee during the anthem, U.S. Soccer released a statement that said, “we have an expectation that our players and coaches will stand and honor the flag while the national anthem is played.”

Now, the federation’s stance is not only an expectation, but an official policy for all of U.S. Soccer.

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U.S. Soccer has adopted a policy that will require players, coaches and anyone involved with the national teams to “stand respectfully” during the playing of any national anthem. (US Soccer Image)