The United States Soccer Federation has instituted a policy that requires players on a national team to "stand respectfully" during national anthems, the New York Times and other media reported on Saturday.

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique insists he was merely crossing his fingers after being accused of raising his middle finger during the Spanish national anthem before his country's Euro 2016 game against Croatia.

Chile's players and fans had to compete with the music of rapper Pitbull, as it was played over the final bars of their national anthem before a Copa America match against Argentina.

Copa America Centenario organisers are left red-faced on Sunday after an embarrassing blunder which sees Chile's national anthem played instead of Uruguay's ahead of their Group C clash with Mexico in Arizona.

The Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) has been fined $40,000 Hong Kong dollars ($5,160; £3,400) after its fans booed the Chinese national anthem during a match last month.