EFL clubs to play with new Puma Rainbow ball this month as they pledge to stand together against homophobia
- The Rainbow ball is set to return in the EFL for the second straight year
- It will be used this month to show support for the LGBTQ+ community
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Puma has launched a brand new Rainbow ball to be used by all 72 EFL clubs to show support for the LGBTQ+ community.
EFL matches played from February 6-17 will use the ball which returns for the second straight year.
The initiative began last year, with Puma also donating money for every goal that was scored with the Rainbow ball, and more than £16,000 was donated to an LGBTQ+ Fans for Diversity Fund.
This time money will be donated to Football v Homophobia (FvH) for each goal scored across the Championship, League One and League Two.
EFL Chief Executive Officer, Trevor Birch said: ‘The EFL has an important role to play in ensuring our game is representative of and welcoming to all the communities we represent.
‘The Rainbow ball stands as representation of our work with Clubs throughout the season and is a symbol of our unwavering commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and we stand proudly together against homophobia.’
A Rainbow ball produced by Puma will be used by EFL clubs between February 6-17
The initiative is returning for a second year in the fight against homophobia, and Puma will donate money for every goal scored with it
Managing director for Puma in the UK and Ireland, Lucynda Davies, added: ‘At PUMA, we are proud to once again support the LGBTQ+ community with the return of the Rainbow Ball.
‘Football is a sport that brings people together, and we believe it should be inclusive of everyone, everywhere.
‘Our ongoing partnership with the EFL and our donation for each goal scored with the Rainbow Ball is just one of the ways we are committed to promoting diversity and standing against discrimination in all forms.
‘Together, we can make football a more welcoming and inclusive space for all.’
The Premier League had its own Rainbow Laces campaign in December, with captains of top-flight clubs all given a Rainbow armband to wear across two matchdays.
However, Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy, who is a practising Muslim, did not wear the armband on either occasion due to his religious beliefs.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guehi wrote ‘I love Jesus’ on his armband for his side’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle.
He was formally reprimanded by the FA, but still wrote ‘Jesus loves you’ in a new message on his armband three days later.
Ipswich captain Sam Morsy refused to wear a Rainbow armband in December due to his religious beliefs
Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guehi wrote messages on his armband in successive games
Guehi subsequently explained his actions as he told Sky Sports: ‘I think the message was pretty clear to be honest.
‘It was a message of love and truth as well, and a message of inclusivity so I think it speaks for itself.’
