The Premier League has formally ended its long-standing partnership with LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall, bringing the widely recognized Rainbow Laces campaign to a close after nearly a decade.
First launched by Stonewall in 2013 and adopted by the Premier League in 2017, the campaign was aimed at promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion across English football. Players across the league visibly supported the initiative by wearing rainbow-coloured laces and captains’ armbands during designated matchdays.
Reports say the decision marks a strategic shift in the league\’s approach to inclusion and equality, although Premier League sources told the BBC that it remains firmly committed to fighting discrimination in all forms. The league reportedly plans to roll out a new initiative tied to LGBTQ+ History Month in February 2026, with continued investment in educational resources and club-level support programs.
The move comes amid signs of declining visible participation among players in recent seasons. Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy declined to wear the rainbow armband last season due to religious beliefs, while Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi opted for an alternative message, writing “I ❤ Jesus” on his. Manchester United also reportedly shelved plans to introduce an LGBTQ+ support-themed jacket after a player objected to wearing it.
In a related development, Premier League players have agreed to continue taking the knee during the 2025/26 season, but on a more limited basis. The gesture will be observed on just two occasions in October as part of the “No Room for Racism” campaign during Black History Month. This decision follows the recent announcement by the England women’s national team that they will no longer take the knee before matches.
While the end of the Rainbow Laces campaign represents a significant shift, the Premier League has emphasized that it is not retreating from its broader inclusion goals, but rather evolving its strategy to reflect current realities and feedback within the sport.
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