Premier League Ends Rainbow Laces Campaign, Will Launch New LGBTQ+ Initiative

The Premier League has ended its partnership with LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall, officially concluding the long-running Rainbow Laces campaign.

Since 2017, the initiative saw top-flight footballers wear rainbow-coloured laces and captains sport rainbow armbands to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion and support the rights of gay, lesbian, and transgender individuals in football.

Now, the league plans to launch its own inclusion campaign to coincide with LGBTQ+ History Month in February, choosing to move forward independently.

According to the Daily Telegraph, this decision reflects a strategic shift. However, sources told the BBC that the Premier League remains committed to fighting discrimination, maintaining educational resources and support for clubs.

A Stonewall spokesperson said, “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.”

The Rainbow Laces campaign, launched in 2013, was once supported by all Premier League clubs but has seen declining backing in recent years. Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy refused to wear the rainbow armband last season due to religious beliefs. Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi wore an armband reading “I ❤ Jesus” instead. Manchester United reportedly canceled plans for an LGBTQ+ support jacket after a player declined to wear it.

Separately, Premier League players have agreed to take the knee only twice during the 2025/26 season, both occasions in October as part of the “No Room for Racism” campaign during Black History Month.

This follows the England women’s team announcing they will no longer take the knee before matches.