The Premier League has officially ended its partnership with LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall, bringing an end to the long-running Rainbow Laces campaign, which aimed to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion in football.
The decision marks a strategic shift in the league’s approach to diversity and inclusion, as it prepares to launch a new initiative to coincide with LGBTQ+ History Month in February.
Launched in 2017 by the Premier League and first introduced by Stonewall in 2013, Rainbow Laces saw players wear rainbow-coloured laces and captains don rainbow armbands as a visible show of support for the LGBTQ+ community.
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According to the Daily Telegraph, the move reflects a change in strategy, though sources told the BBC that the Premier League remains committed to tackling discrimination through educational programmes and continued support for clubs.
“Rainbow Laces has benefited from a wide range of partners with a natural ebb and flow reflecting cultural and sporting changes. The campaign has reached more diverse audiences, especially through the growing women’s game,” a Stonewall spokesperson said.
While the campaign once had unanimous backing from Premier League clubs, support has waned in recent years. Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy declined to wear the rainbow armband last season, citing religious beliefs, while Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi wrote “I ❤ Jesus” on his instead. Manchester United also reportedly abandoned plans for an LGBTQ+ support jacket after a player refused to wear it.
In a related development, Premier League players have agreed to continue taking the knee
