Premier League set to abandon controversial rainbow armband and laces after split from LGBTQ+ charity

The Premier League is preparing for a big change in how it shows support for inclusion ahead of the 2025-26 season.

After eight years, its partnership with LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall has officially come to an end, signalling a step away from the rainbow laces and armbands.

According to reports, the decision to part ways with Stonewall was finalised in a meeting with all 20 Premier League captains on Thursday.

This means the familiar Rainbow Laces campaign, which included rainbow armbands worn by captains, will no longer be part of matchdays.

While the league insists that education around diversity and inclusion will still be a priority, it will now take a different approach. From next season, the Premier League plans to run its own campaign tied to LGBTQ+ History Month in February.

This marks a significant shift from the visual, matchday-focused displays of support seen in recent years. The move follows debates and mixed reactions over how the initiative was received by players, clubs, and fans.

In recent seasons, the rainbow armband became a talking point beyond football itself. Last year, Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi was formally reprimanded by the FA for writing “I love Jesus” on his rainbow armband.

Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy, a practising Muslim, refused to wear the armband entirely due to his religious beliefs, with no punishment, as his stance did not break any rules.

The issue highlighted tensions between personal convictions and symbolic gestures in football. Alongside this, the league confirmed players will still be allowed to take the knee, a gesture of solidarity against racism, despite the Lionesses choosing not to during their Euro 2025 triumph.

These developments signal a Premier League that is adapting how it approaches causes, aiming for inclusion but with methods that may provoke less controversy on the pitch.