The long-running Rainbow Laces campaign has come to an end after the Premier League formally terminated its collaboration with LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall.
The action marks a change in the league’s attitude to inclusivity as it gets ready to introduce its LGBTQ+ History Month program in February.
Rainbow Laces was first developed by Stonewall in 2013 with the goal of promoting LGBTQ+ inclusiveness in football. The Premier League launched it in 2017.
In a clear demonstration of solidarity for the gay, homosexual, bisexual, and transgender populations in the sport, players in the top division wore rainbow-colored laces, and captains wore rainbow armbands.
Although sources told the BBC that the Premier League is still dedicated to combating discrimination and that club support and instructional materials are still available, the Daily Telegraph reported on Friday that the decision represents a strategic shift.
With a natural ebb and flow that reflects changes in culture and sports, Rainbow Laces has profited from a diverse pool of partners. More diverse audiences have been reached by the campaign, particularly thanks to the expanding women’s game, a Stonewall spokesperson stated.
The Rainbow Laces initiative, which debuted in 2013, had originally been endorsed by all Premier League clubs.
However, in recent years, support seems to have declined. Last season, Sam Morsy, the captain of Ipswich Town, refused to wear the rainbow armband, citing his religious convictions. Instead, Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi wrote, “I ❤ Jesus.” Following a player’s refusal to wear the LGBTQ+ solidarity jacket, Manchester United apparently abandoned its plans.
As part of the “No Room for Racism” campaign during Black History Month, Premier League players have decided to continue taking the knee throughout the forthcoming 2025–2026 season, but just twice, in October.
This follows the announcement by the England women’s team that they will no longer kneel before games.
