The Premier League has confirmed that captains will no longer be required to wear rainbow-themed captain’s armbands, and players will not be asked to wear pride-themed warm-up tops during matches.
The change was agreed during a recent call with club captains ahead of the 2025/26 season. While some players expressed a desire to continue supporting LGBTQ+ campaigns, others chose to opt out.
The decision follows several years of visible — and sometimes controversial — involvement in initiatives such as Rainbow Laces and other pride-themed activities.
In one reported case, a Premier League player reportedly complained to his club after being featured on the front of the match-day programme during Rainbow Laces for the second consecutive year. He was concerned the prominent placement could lead to assumptions about his sexuality.
The Premier League has not issued a full public statement on the policy shift, but sources indicate it reflects a move toward voluntary participation rather than league-wide mandates on social campaigns.
The change has already sparked debate online, with opinions divided between those who see it as a step toward player autonomy and those who view it as a step back from visible support for inclusion.
Clubs and players are now expected to decide individually whether to continue personal or team-level involvement in LGBTQ+ awareness efforts during the season.
