No more LGBTQ - Premier League to STOP rainbow armbands on matchdays

The Premier League is reportedly ending its eight-year-long partnership with LGBTQ+ rights charity Stonewall.

The move signals a shift in its visible support for inclusivity on matchdays. 

As reported by The Telegraph and confirmed by Daily Mail, the decision was finalised during a meeting held with all 20 club captains on Thursday, bringing the popular Rainbow Laces initiative to an official close ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.

The campaign, which began in 2017, was designed to promote inclusion, respect and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community within football and beyond. 

As part of the initiative, players and officials wore rainbow armbands and laces during selected matchdays. 

However, the league has now chosen to discontinue these symbols, stating that it will instead focus on "education through its community programmes," 

A Stonewall spokesperson responded to the development with a statement that read:

“Rainbow Laces has helped improve LGBTQ+ inclusion, acceptance and participation in sport at all levels, whether player, participant or fan. Rainbow Laces has helped to significantly shift the dial… at the grass-roots level it is easier to participate and as a fan the LGBTQ+ community has increasingly felt more accepted.”

The decision comes after a season marked by high-profile incidents surrounding the rainbow armband. 

Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi was formally reprimanded by the FA after altering his armband with the message “I love Jesus.” 

In contrast, Ipswich Town’s Sam Morsy faced no punishment after he opted out of wearing the armband altogether, citing his Muslim faith.

Morsy, 33, who represents Egypt at international level, was the only captain across all 20 Premier League clubs last season who refused to wear the armband. 

As his action did not breach any official rules, the matter was deemed internal and left to the discretion of his club.

The Premier League has now chosen to address more privately through education rather than public symbolism.

While the rainbow visuals may be gone from Premier League pitches, the struggle for inclusion remains very much present.