The English Premier League has announced the termination of its partnership with the Stonewall charity organization, which runs the Rainbow Laces campaign supporting the LGBTQ+ community, just days before the start of the 2025/2026 season, set to begin on August 15 with the match between Liverpool and Bournemouth at Anfield.

According to the British newspaper "Telegraph", the decision came during a meeting of the leaders of the twenty clubs, where it was also agreed to continue the kneeling movement before matches in support of anti-racism, despite the recent controversy following the halt of the England women's team performances.

With the end of this partnership, it marks the conclusion of nearly 8 years of collaboration, with the league set to launch its own alternative campaign in consultation with clubs, fan groups, and stakeholders, while maintaining community education programs.

It was also agreed during the meeting that the captain's armband will bear only the Premier League logo, without promoting any campaigns or issues.

It is noteworthy that Egyptian player Sam Morsy, former captain of Ipswich Town, was one of the most prominent opponents of wearing the Rainbow armband, criticizing the FA for what he described as creating chaos in this matter.