Premier League LGBTQ+ armbands no longer required as new ‘With Pride’ initiative launches
As part of the campaign, the League is collaborating with the national LGBTQ+ support line Switchboard
By Aaron Sugg
Premier League captains will no longer be required to wear rainbow armbands as the English football league introduces a replacement for Rainbow Laces.
The Premier League announced today (5 February) its new LGBTQ+ inclusion campaign, With Pride, which will run from 6 to 13 February 2026.
“Premier League With Pride demonstrates our ongoing support for the LGBTQ+ community” – Premier League chief executive Richard Masters on With Pride
Marking the end of the Rainbow Laces initiative partnership with the Stonewall charity, which had been in place since 2014, the new With Pride framework will introduce several changes:
* Team captains will no longer be required to wear rainbow armbands
* Pride-themed warm-up jackets and rainbow boot laces will not be mandatory
* Inclusion messaging will instead be delivered through stadium screens, pitch-side advertising, handshake boards and other matchday infrastructure
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said in a statement published on the League’s official website: “Premier League With Pride demonstrates our ongoing support for the LGBTQ+ community, and our commitment to ensuring that football is for everyone and that inclusivity is embedded across all areas of the game.”
He continued: “I am pleased that progress has been made in recent years, and we will maintain our work with clubs to ensure this continues. This includes taking action against discrimination both in stadiums and online, as well as celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.”
“Education is important in helping people develop a stronger understanding of LGBTQ+ inclusion” – Masters on representation in football
“We want everyone involved in football to feel welcome, supported and comfortable being themselves. Education is important in helping people develop a stronger understanding of LGBTQ+ inclusion and the importance of showing support, challenging inequality and making the case for greater representation,” Masters concluded.
The League is also collaborating with the national LGBTQ+ support line Switchboard. Its chief executive, Stephanie Fuller, said: “Football has a unique power to build and strengthen communities, often creating lifelong friendships. However, every now and then, we all need somewhere else to discuss things that can feel difficult to share.”
“Switchboard has been providing a safe, non-judgemental, non-directive and confidential space for the LGBTQ+ community since 1974,” she continued.
“They’re not alone and that support from our trained volunteers is on hand” – Switchboard chief executive, Stephanie Fuller on the LGBTQ+ helpline
“Through our collaboration with the Premier League, we will ensure LGBTQ+ people across the football community know they’re not alone and that support from our trained volunteers is on hand, 365 days a year.”
The initiative continued to push for LGBTQ+ support in football stadiums, to combat homophobia and transphobia, and to ensure that the environment remains a safe space for all.
Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign was relaunched last month, after research revealed LGBTQ+ people remain significantly more likely to experience discrimination while exercising.
The new campaign has seen support from the likes of Dame Kelly Holmes and Josh Cavallo, with a renewed focus on encouraging LGBTQ+ people to move, play and participate.
If members of the LGBTQ+ community are struggling with their mental health and need to speak to someone, they can visit the Switchboard official website to find out more.
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