The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) might make a big move later this week. On Friday, June 12, there will be a vote about the USSF kneeling ban repeal.
There was a talk between people on the board of directors and the USSF Athlete Council. The Athlete Council includes U.S. Paralympian Chris Ahrens and former U.S. Internationals Lori Lindsey and Carlos Bocanegra. Everyone talked about the possibility of repealing the kneeling ban.
In 2017, Policy 604-1 was passed stating: “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.”
This came about when Megan Rapinoe kneeled during the national anthem in 2016. The U.S. Women’s National Team was playing against Thailand when she knelt. Rapinoe wanted to show solidarity for former San Francisco 49’ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. He knelt to protest racial inequality before an NFL game. Rapinoe continued to kneel during the anthem until Policy 604-1 was created. She has since followed the rule.
With multiple protests happening around the world after the George Floyd incident, it had USSF thinking about the ban. Cindy Parlow Cone, USSF President, is hopeful to appeal the ban on Tuesday during a conference call with the board. She hopes this will lead to a vote by Friday.
If the vote is for repealing the kneeling ban then it will take effect immediately. However, it will have to be either backed or repealed in February or March during the annual National Council meeting.
There is no exact idea on how representatives of the Youth Council, Adult Council, Pro Council and the independent directors will vote. But, Parlow Cone seems to think that it will be passed based on the positive outlook given by sources.
There may be a change in how protests are done with the USSF kneeling ban repeal.
