Club standing together against homophobia in football.
MK Dons is one of the 72 football clubs in the English Football League using an all-new Rainbow match ball in their February games, serving as a reminder that football is for everyone, everywhere.
In celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, the EFL and official match ball partners, PUMA, have introduced the colourful ball which will be used across the leagues until 17th February, in 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.
PUMA will once again donate money for every goal scored with the Rainbow Ball across the Championship, League One and League Two fixtures. 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 use this season's Rainbow Ball in gameplay.
“The EFL has an important role to play in ensuring our game is representative of and welcoming to all the communities we represent,” said EFL Chief Executive Officer, Trevor Birch.
“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.”
“Football is a sport that brings people together, and we believe it should be inclusive of everyone, everywhere,” added Lucynda Davies, Managing Director, PUMA UK&I.
“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.”
"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,” said Lou Englefield, FvH Campaign Director.
“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.”
If homophobic or discriminatory abuse is witnessed, it can be reported directly to clubs through the EFL’s reporting tool Kick It Out, or by alerting a steward.
