Premier League Ceases Rainbow Laces Partnership Before the New Season

The Premier League has decided to end its collaboration with the LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall ahead of the upcoming season, leading to the discontinuation of the Rainbow Laces initiative after eight years.

The decision was made during a meeting with all 20 club captains, and the league plans to introduce its own campaign aligned with LGBTQ+ History Month in February. Despite withdrawing the rainbow armbands and laces, the league emphasized that education through community programs will continue to be a priority.

Players will also keep taking the knee during matches, a stance agreed upon despite some teams, like the Lionesses, choosing not to perform the gesture during recent tournaments.

Last season, Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi faced a formal reprimand from the FA after writing “I love Jesus” on his rainbow captain’s armband. Conversely, Ipswich captain Sam Morsy, citing religious beliefs, was not punished for refusing to wear the armband, marking a nuanced approach to individual convictions within the league.

During Euro 2025, England defender Jess Carter expressed her fear of playing in the later stages due to experiencing racist abuse following a quarter-final victory. Her teammate Lucy Bronze condemned online hate, highlighting a rise in abuse as women’s football grows in popularity. Bronze emphasized the importance of focusing on football and supporting players of color facing racist comments, advocating for bravery and happiness in representing England.

While the Rainbow Laces initiative helped foster greater inclusion and acceptance in sport, the league’s decision to step away reflects ongoing debates around supporting LGBTQ+ communities in football. A Stonewall spokesperson noted that the program had contributed to increased acceptance at all levels, especially at grassroots, but highlighted the challenges elite players still face in being openly LGBTQ+.