In a move that has surprised many within the sporting and advocacy communities, the Premier League has officially ended its long-standing partnership with Stonewall, the UK’s leading LGBTQ+ rights organisation, and will no longer feature the widely recognised Rainbow Laces or rainbow captain’s armbands as part of its official inclusion efforts.
The decision, confirmed by Premier League executives this week, marks the end of a multi-year collaboration that saw English football’s top tier take a highly visible stance on LGBTQ+ inclusion through Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign, first launched in 2013. For over a decade, the initiative became a familiar and symbolic fixture in football — with players, coaches, referees, and clubs donning rainbow-coloured laces, armbands, and banners to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
But now, the world’s richest and most watched football league has opted to move in a new direction. The Premier League has announced it will design and roll out its own bespoke LGBTQ+ inclusion programme from the 2025/26 season, separate from external campaigns.
“We are immensely proud of the progress we’ve made in inclusion, and our partnership with Stonewall has played an important role in that journey. However, we believe it is time to take the next step — by developing our own long-term strategy and set of initiatives to promote inclusivity, authenticity, and impact across all communities, including LGBTQ+ fans, players, and staff.”
The league insists the move is not a step back, but rather a recalibration that will allow it to broaden its approach to inclusion while maintaining a strong emphasis on anti-discrimination. Insiders suggest the new campaign will be more “football-centric,” with input from clubs, players, and fans — including LGBTQ+ voices — to create a more bespoke and year-round visibility model, rather than symbolic matchday gestures alone.
Still, the announcement has sparked mixed reactions. Some equality campaigners expressed disappointment that such a visible and recognisable campaign is being retired at a time when LGBTQ+ inclusion remains a pressing issue in sport.
Nancy Kelley, CEO of Stonewall, responded in a statement: “We are proud of the incredible visibility and support the Rainbow Laces campaign has generated within football and beyond. While we respect the Premier League’s decision to chart its own course, we urge them to continue meaningful engagement with the LGBTQ+ community and to ensure that any new initiative is backed by real action, not just symbolism.”
Stonewall has faced criticism in recent years from some quarters over its stance on gender identity issues, leading to a broader public debate and some institutions distancing themselves from the organisation. However, there is no official indication that the Premier League’s decision is tied to such controversies.
Within the footballing world, the reaction has been varied. Several clubs and players have voiced support for continuing inclusion efforts, regardless of who leads them. Brighton & Hove Albion, long recognised for its strong links to LGBTQ+ advocacy, issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity.
“The values behind Rainbow Laces are part of who we are as a club,” said Brighton captain Lewis Dunk. “Whatever the badge or colour we wear, what matters is that football remains a safe and welcoming space for everyone.”
Other players, including high-profile figures like Jordan Henderson and Lucy Bronze, have historically been strong advocates of LGBTQ+ rights in football. While they have yet to comment on the Premier League’s new direction, many are expected to watch closely how the league translates its commitment into practice.
The Premier League’s new initiative is expected to launch formally in early 2026, following consultations with clubs, supporters’ groups, and diversity organisations. It is understood the league is also considering partnerships with grassroots LGBTQ+ football organisations to ground its approach in community experience and needs.
As English football navigates the evolving conversation around inclusivity and representation, the Premier League’s decision may signal a shift in how top-tier sport engages with complex social issues, not just through symbols, but through sustained, strategic efforts.
Whether this move will strengthen or dilute LGBTQ+ visibility in football remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the conversation is far from over, and how the Premier League responds in action — not just intent — will define its legacy on inclusion for years to come.
