Sports
Trump won’t watch NFL, US soccer … if players kneel during national anthem
US President Donald Trump says he will not watch the US Soccer national teams or the NFL if players are allowed to kneel during the national anthem.
The United States Soccer Federation repealed its requirement that players stand during the national anthem on Wednesday, saying the policy was wrong and detracted from the Black Lives Matter movement.
Last weekend, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said the league made mistakes in not listening to players in a video on Friday, denouncing racism in the United States amid widespread protests over police brutality against black people.
On Thursday, Republican congressman Matt Gaetz criticised the outcome of the US Soccer vote, posting on Twitter: “I’d rather the US not have a soccer team than have a soccer team that won’t stand for the National Anthem.”
On Saturday, President Trump quote-tweeted Gaetz twice, first posting: “I won’t be watching much anymore!” Then added: “And it looks like the NFL is heading in that direction also, but not with me watching!”
Houston Texans star JJ Watt was one of a number of athletes to criticise the stance taken by Gaetz and Trump, saying: “If you still think it’s about disrespecting the flag or our military, you clearly haven’t been listening.”
Major League Soccer is set to return on July 8 at Walt Disney World following delays due to COVID-19, while the new NFL season is set to begin on September 10.
US Soccer’s ban on kneeling during the anthem came into effect after USWNT player Megan Rapinoe kneeled in 2017 in support of former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
The former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Kaepernick first kneeled during the anthem in 2016 in protest against police brutality and racial inequality. – Eurosport
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) and all the clubs participating in this weekend’s competitions will pay special tribute in honour of the memory of the late Dominic Frimpong of Berekum Chelsea FC (on loan from Aduana FC).
The GFA has in a statement announced that all the players and team officials of the 6 clubs playing this weekend competitions will wear black armbands on their jerseys as a mark of respect during their respective matches.
In addition, a minute of silence will be observed before the commencement of each game in his honour. This tribute will take place during the MTN FA Cup semi-final matches as well as the Women’s Premier League final scheduled for this weekend.
“The GFA counts on the full cooperation of all clubs and the fans in respectfully observing these arrangements as we collectively pay tribute to Dominic Frimpong,” the statement added.
The FA expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for their understanding and support in these times.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Daniel Laryea will handle the MTN FA Cup semifinal clash between Aduana FC and Nations FC at the Swedru Stadium on Friday, April 17, 2026.
Roland Addy will serve as Assistant I, with Seth Abletor as Assistant II, while Adaari Abdul Lattif works as 4th Referee.
The match is scheduled for a 3:00pm kick-off at the Swedru Stadium on Friday, April 17, 2026.
GFA COMMUNICATIONS
