Team GB football team to take the knee during the Olympics 🇬🇧 | OneFootball

The women’s footballers representing Great Britain at the Olympic Games will take the knee during the tournament.

Head coach Hege Riise confirmed the decision on Thursday.

“The players and staff have been taking the knee at club and international level for over a year now,” Riise said.

“We were all united in our decision to continue doing whatever we can to raise awareness of racism and discrimination in all its forms, standing in unity and solidarity with all those whose lives are affected.”

The news comes after rules on athletes protesting at the Games have been relaxed ahead of Tokyo 2020.

“We are clear that taking the knee is an important symbol of peaceful protest against discrimination, injustice and inequality in society,” Riise added.

“We are glad that the IOC have acknowledged the importance of this form of freedom of expression.

“We will do so with the utmost respect for our fellow competitors, officials and the IOC, with due regard for the ideals that lie at the heart of the Olympic movement.”

Team GB face Chile in their opening match on Wednesday next week before also facing hosts Japan and Canada in the group stage.