Throughout the United States Women’s National Team’s run through the 2023 FIFA World Cup, the team has faced some criticism as some players have chosen to remain silent during the playing of the national anthem before matches. But the players aren’t breaking any rules by remaining silent during The Star Spangled Banner. In fact, players are even allowed to kneel, if they choose.
Back in 2020, U.S. Soccer actually changed its policy that required players to stand during the playing of the national anthem. The federation even went as far as to apologize for ever putting the policy in place.
“U.S. Soccer affirms Black Lives Matter, and we support the fight against racial injustices,” U.S. Soccer said in an announcement back in 2020. “The U.S. Soccer Board of Directors voted yesterday afternoon to repeal Policy 604-1, which required our players to stand during the national anthem.
“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.
“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. Sports are a powerful platform for good, and we have not used our platform as effectively as we should have. We can do more on these specific issues and we will. It should be, and will be going forward, up to our players to determine how they can best use their platforms to fight all forms of racism, discrimination, and inequality.”
Throughout the 2023 FIFA World Cup, no player has chosen to kneel for the national anthem – some players have simply remained silent. But if anyone chose to kneel or protest during the national anthem, they would be well within their rights.
