New York, Jun 11 (IANS): The US Soccer federation has repealed its policy of requiring players to stand during the national anthem.

"The US Soccer Board of Directors voted yesterday afternoon to repeal Policy 604-1, which required our players to stand during the national anthem," the organisation said in a statement on Wednesday.

"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," it added.

The 'Black Lives Matter' movement has intensified around the world, especially in the United States, following the death of African-American George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police personnel last month.

"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," US Soccer further said.

"We apologise 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."