Athletes at the postponed Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics face a ban on “taking a knee” in solidarity with anti-racism movements.

Fifa, the Football Association and America’s National Football League are among major organisations to remove sanctions for the protest, which has been widespread after George Floyd’s death.

The International Olympic Committee published guidelines in January banning any protest at the Tokyo Games next year — including taking a knee, raising a fist or refusing to follow protocol at medal ceremonies — and confirmed on Tuesday that “the guidelines are still in place”. The International Paralympic Committee said athletes were encouraged to “stand up for what they believe in”, but that it had a policy of not allowing any form of protest at the Games.

Disciplinary action for anyone who breaks the rules “will be taken on a case-by-case basis”.

The Daily Telegraph