U.S. Soccer expected to vote on repealing ban on players kneeling during national anthem

The U.S. Soccer Federation's (USSF) board of directors may repeal the policy that requires all players to stand during the national anthem before games, as USSF president Cindy Parlow Cone has organized a conference call on Tuesday for board members to discuss the policy. A vote is expected to take place on Friday.

Currently, players who kneel risk being banned as policy 604-1, which was passed at U.S. Soccer's AGM in 2017, states: "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."

The policy was adopted after Megan Rapinoe knelt before a 2016 game against Thailand as a sign of solidarity with Colin Kaepernick, who was on the San Francisco 49ers at the time. But in the wake of nationwide protests regarding police brutality and racial inequality, the USSF seems to be reconsidering its position.

If the board were to vote to repeal policy 604-1, it would take effect immediately. However, it would still need to be voted on at the next general annual meeting, which usually takes place in February or March. The National Council could decide to put the repeal back into motion, assuming it happens in the first place.

Soccer is not that only sport that is reconsidering its stance on players kneeling during the national anthem. Several NFL players, including running back Adrian Peterson, are reportedly planning to kneel when the new season begins to show support of the protesters around the country.