The Premier League has moved away from individual LGBTQ+ symbols, such as rainbow armbands and warm-up tops, in favor of a new league-led “With Pride” campaign designed to reduce pressure on individual players.
The Premier League has officially revised its approach to LGBTQ+ visibility, confirming that club captains will no longer be required to wear rainbow-themed armbands.
Additionally, players will no longer be asked to wear pride-themed warm-up tops or rainbow laces during matchdays.
The decision follows the conclusion of the league’s eight-year partnership with the charity Stonewall and its “Rainbow Laces” campaign.
League officials reportedly made the change after consultations with all 20 club captains, aiming to reduce the individual pressure placed on players.
This shift moves the focus away from personal symbols—which sparked high-profile religious and cultural debates in previous seasons—toward collective branding.
The league plans to launch its own “With Pride” initiative this February, utilizing league-wide assets like themed match balls.