Premier League changes LGBTQ+ support method, drops rainbow armbands and laces

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Daniel Amenyo Ablordey
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The Premier League has confirmed that captains will no longer be required to wear rainbow captain’s armbands, and players will not be asked to wear pride-themed laces or warm-up shirts as part of LGBTQ+ inclusion shows of support in the 2025–26 season. This marks a shift from previous years when the league participated in the Rainbow Laces campaign run in partnership with the LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall. The change comes after the Premier League ended its collaboration with Stonewall and announced a new internal inclusion campaign set to launch officially during LGBTQ+ History Month in February.

The rainbow armband and laces, previously worn voluntarily by captains and players, had become a recurring part of the Premier League’s visibility work on LGBTQ+ inclusion. In recent seasons some captains chose not to wear the symbols for personal or religious reasons, and the league emphasised that wearing them was always optional, not compulsory.

Premier League

Under the new approach, the league is reportedly exploring alternative methods to show support that don’t place direct pressure on individual players. One idea under consideration is using a special pride-themed match ball in designated fixtures during the campaign activation period, because, unlike armbands or laces, players cannot refuse to kick the ball during play.

The shift reflects a broader effort by the Premier League to maintain visibility for LGBTQ+ inclusion while reducing reliance on individual displays, such as armbands or laces, that some players have declined to wear. The new campaign aims to promote inclusion through league-wide branding, matchday elements and coordinated messaging during key matchweeks.

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Author

  • Daniel Ablordey

    Daniel Ablordey is a Business Analytics student at the University of Ghana Business School and an emerging strategist at the intersection of data, markets, and narrative. With a keen analytical mind and a passion for African business and economic trends, he is building a career focused on translating complex data-driven insights into accessible, decision-relevant stories that matter.

    As a writer and editor with Insight Ghana, African Business Insight, and The African Journal, Daniel delivers sharp, high-impact analysis on current affairs, business developments, and emerging trends across the continent. His work is defined by precision, clarity, and a deep commitment to responsible journalism — ensuring that every story he tells is not only accurate but meaningful to the audiences it serves.

    Beyond his editorial work, Daniel serves as an Ecobank Youth Ambassador, where he actively promotes financial inclusion, digital banking, and financial literacy among young Ghanaians. His leadership experience spans academic, professional, and faith-based institutions, where he has consistently driven initiatives centered on growth, structure, and long-term impact.

    Grounded in the principles of Pan-Africanism and service, Daniel brings a rare combination of analytical rigour and storytelling depth to his work. Whether unpacking market behavior, profiling emerging business leaders, or covering cultural shifts shaping the continent, he approaches every assignment with strategic intent and editorial integrity.

    His broader ambition is to contribute to Africa's transformation by shaping how data, business, and storytelling intersect — not just locally, but on a global stage.

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Daniel Amenyo Ablordey
Daniel Amenyo Ablordey
Daniel Ablordey is a Business Analytics student at the University of Ghana Business School and an emerging strategist at the intersection of data, markets, and narrative. With a keen analytical mind and a passion for African business and economic trends, he is building a career focused on translating complex data-driven insights into accessible, decision-relevant stories that matter.

As a writer and editor with Insight Ghana, African Business Insight, and The African Journal, Daniel delivers sharp, high-impact analysis on current affairs, business developments, and emerging trends across the continent. His work is defined by precision, clarity, and a deep commitment to responsible journalism — ensuring that every story he tells is not only accurate but meaningful to the audiences it serves.

Beyond his editorial work, Daniel serves as an Ecobank Youth Ambassador, where he actively promotes financial inclusion, digital banking, and financial literacy among young Ghanaians. His leadership experience spans academic, professional, and faith-based institutions, where he has consistently driven initiatives centered on growth, structure, and long-term impact.

Grounded in the principles of Pan-Africanism and service, Daniel brings a rare combination of analytical rigour and storytelling depth to his work. Whether unpacking market behavior, profiling emerging business leaders, or covering cultural shifts shaping the continent, he approaches every assignment with strategic intent and editorial integrity.

His broader ambition is to contribute to Africa's transformation by shaping how data, business, and storytelling intersect — not just locally, but on a global stage.
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