The United States Soccer Federation enacted a new policy dealing with how players and staff should conduct themselves during the playing of national anthems before matches. Sports Illustrated detailed the crux of the policy:
“All persons representing a Federation national team shall stand respectfully during the playing of national anthems at any event in which the Federation is represented,” new policy 604-1 states.
Toward the end of last year, USWNT star Megan Rapinoe knelt during the USA national anthem prior to a couple of matches — one club match, one national team match — in solidarity with 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.