In celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, the EFL and Official Match Ball partners, PUMA are proud to reveal an all-new Rainbow match ball, which serves as a reminder that football is for everyone, everywhere.
Throughout the season, the EFL and all its Clubs, players and supporters stand together against homophobia, and from 6-17 February, to demonstrate their ongoing support of the LGBTQ+ community, all 72 EFL Clubs will play with the Rainbow match ball during Football v Homophobia’s Month of Action.
Last year, PUMA donated money for each goal scored with the Rainbow Ball, totalling more than £16,000 to an LGBTQ+ Fans for Diversity Fund. The money raised helped LGBTQ+ supporter groups to raise awareness about inclusion in football, to deliver events to promote diversity, and to provide resources to LGBTQ+ fans across England and Wales.
These funded activities were extensive and included:
Fans for Diversity’s 10-year anniversary trailer which featured LGBTQ+ fans from across the organisation’s network.
The My Boro, My Shirt exhibition, which highlighted and celebrated LGBTQ+ individuals within Middlesborough FC’s fanbase. The exhibition created a platform for diverse voices to be heard and reflected a commitment to representing the wide range of identities that make up the community, ensuring everyone feels seen and valued.
The creation of a flag to celebrate Pride at Chesterfield FC, aiming to promote an even more welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals at the SMH Group Stadium.
Charlton Athletic Supporters Trust’s My Valley, My Shirt, which is launching this February in association with Charlton in The Community to celebrate their LGBTQ+ fans.
PUMA will once again donate money for every goal scored with the Rainbow Ball across the Championship, League One and League Two fixtures from 6-17 February. This season, the funding will be donated to Football v Homophobia (FvH) to support their ongoing work in tackling discrimination in this area.
EFL partners EA SPORTS are also joining in the Rainbow Ball celebrations for a second year running. EA SPORTS FC 25™ players can now select and play with this season's Rainbow Ball in gameplay.
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.”
Lucynda Davies, Managing Director, PUMA UK&I, said: “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.”
Lou Englefield, FvH Campaign Director, said: "Since 2010, Football v Homophobia has been providing education and resources at all levels of the game, alongside events and activities that help to make LGBTQ+ people feel more welcome and safe in the sport. The enthusiasm that EFL clubs and their fan groups generate around the Rainbow Ball sends out a strong message against discrimination and for inclusion in football. We're grateful to PUMA for its pledge and to the EFL for their strong support for #FvH2025."
If homophobic or discriminatory abuse is witnessed, it can be reported directly to Clubs through Kick It Out, the EFL’s reporting tool, or by alerting a steward.
