Great Britain football team plans to take a knee before all matches at Tokyo Olympics

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has clarified their Rule 50, which means that the athletes are allowed to make whatever gesture or take whatever posture they want on the field, provided they continue to respect the players from other teams.

These moves are often very controversial, however, as was evidenced when members of the US soccer team caused controversy by refusing to face the flag as a 98-year-old WWII veteran played the national anthem.

According to The Guardian, the team's manager, Hege Riise, released a statement which reads:

"The players and staff have been taking the knee at club and international level for over a year now and 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."

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

The team has not one captain, but three, one from England, one from Wales and one from Scotland.

“We are fortunate to have so many experienced and talented players in our squad and we think of ourselves as a 'leaderful' team, where every individual brings their own leadership strengths to the group," Riise continued.