EFL: Rainbow-coloured footballs to be used to mark LGBTQ+ History Month
- Published
Puma's Orbita Rainbow Ball will be used across the EFL over the next 10 days
All English Football League games this weekend will feature rainbow-coloured balls to mark LGBTQ+ History Month.
Since 2017 players, clubs and officials have displayed rainbow colours on bootlaces, flags and stadiums to campaign against homophobia in sport.
And now, until 24 February, all matches across the Championship, League One and League Two will feature the new Puma Orbital Rainbow ball.
Puma will donate to an LGBTQ+ Fans for Diversity Fund for every goal scored.
The funds are to support projects aiming to raise awareness about inclusion in football, promote diversity or provide resources for fans.
EFL sponsors Sky Bet are also donating balls to LGBTQ+ friendly community football clubs and fans.
EFL chief executive officer Trevor Birch said: "The league is proud to collaborate with Puma on this historic first for English football and join with our clubs, partners, and LGBTQ+ communities to celebrate LGBT History Month."
Ryan Atkin, England's first openly gay professional referee, added: "The rainbow ball is a powerful emblem of diversity, pride, hope and activism.
"It demonstrates that football recognises its status and impact on society and that it acts on all forms of discrimination, ensuring everyone can be part of the beautiful game."