- EFL announces second annual activation of Rainbow Ball in association with PUMA with funding donation for Football v Homophobia
- FVH to benefit from goals scored in Championship, League One and League Two matches between 6 and 17 February
- FvH’s Lou Englefield praises enthusiasm of EFL clubs and their fan groups, with many signing up as #FvH2025 Champions in Month of Action
The new PUMA EFL Rainbow Ball for February 2025
Football v Homophobia will be the beneficiaries of this season’s Rainbow Ball activation in the EFL.
Alongside official match ball partners PUMA, the League has announced the second annual edition of its inclusion initiative which is taking place in the FvH Month of Action and LGBT+ History Month.
See Calendar of #FvH2025 events and designated matches here
The EFL and its 72 clubs will make a stand together against homophobia, with players and supporters helping to amplify the strong anti-discrimination message, demonstrating ongoing support of the LGBTQ+ community.
PUMA has again pledged to donate money for every goal scored with the Rainbow Ball across the Championship, League One and League Two fixtures from 6 to 17 February.
This season, it has been announced that the funding will be donated to FvH to support its ongoing work.
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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.”
A host of EFL clubs have already registered to be FvH Champions this year, underlining their commitment to creating welcoming and safe football environments that are inclusive of LGBTQ+ people.
To sign up as a club, fan group or other football organisation, follow the links from the FvH homepage.
For more information about the Rainbow Ball, visit the EFL website.
Notes for editors
About Football v Homophobia
Football v Homophobia (FvH) is an international initiative that exists to challenge discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression at all levels of football.
We want football to take a clear stand against homophobia and transphobia so that everyone can enjoy the beautiful game and football leads the way in removing discrimination and prejudice based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Learn more here.
The annual Month of Action for the FvH campaign is held every February, in what is also LGBT+ History Month.
Clubs, groups, leagues and organisations are invited to register now for February 2025. See our 2025 Champions so far here.
FvH provides tailored education sessions for people in football of all age groups.
For more news and content relating to FvH, as well as our Football v Transphobia initiative, visit our archive.
Contacts
Lou Englefield, FvH campaign director
lou@footballvhomophobia.com
Jon Holmes, FvH media consultant
jon@footballvhomophobia.com