Bolton Wanderers, the EFL and PUMA are proud to announce the return of the iconic Rainbow Ball for a third consecutive year, supporting Football v Homophobia’s Month of Action and reinforcing the message that football is for everyone.
Serving as a powerful symbol of inclusion, the PUMA Rainbow Ball will feature across all Sky Bet EFL matches from 20 February to 1 March. It represents unity, pride and the celebration of LGBTQ+ fans, while highlighting the EFL’s long‑standing commitment to making football a welcoming, safe and inclusive space for every supporter in every stadium.
Throughout the season, the EFL, its Clubs, players and supporters stand together against homophobia. The Rainbow Ball acts as a reminder that the game unites us all.
Last season, goals scored with the Rainbow Ball prompted PUMA to donate £10,000 to Football v Homophobia (FvH), supporting their education and inclusion work. This year, PUMA will once again donate for every goal scored with the Rainbow Ball across all Sky Bet Championship, League One and League Two fixtures. These funds will continue to support programmes that challenge homophobia, promote understanding and strengthen inclusion at every level of the game.
EFL Chief Executive Officer, Trevor Birch said: “The Rainbow Ball is a powerful symbol of the values we uphold across the EFL all season long. It not only reflects our longstanding commitment to ensuring the League is representative of all its diverse communities, but also reminds us that we all have a role to play in creating an environment in which everyone feels they truly belong. Together with our Clubs, players, managers and supporters, we stand proudly Together Against Homophobia, championing a game where everyone feels safe, respected and celebrated.”
Lucynda Davies, General Manager, PUMA UK & Ireland, added: “Football has a unique power to bring people together, and our partnership with the EFL reflects our shared belief that the game should be welcoming, inclusive and representative of everyone who loves it. The Rainbow Ball is a visible symbol of that commitment, sparking conversations within clubs, communities and beyond. We’re proud that every goal scored while the Rainbow Ball is in play will also directly support Football v Homophobia, helping to challenge discrimination and make football a safer, more inclusive space for all.”
EFL partner EA SPORTS is also joining in the Rainbow Ball celebrations. For a third successive year, the Rainbow Ball will feature in EA SPORTS FC 26™ giving millions of players across the country the chance to play with the ball, celebrating LGBTQ+ fans nationwide.
Homophobia has no place in football. Anyone found guilty of homophobic abuse, whether inside a stadium or online, could face serious sanctions including stadium bans and legal prosecution.
The EFL and its clubs will take swift and firm action against discriminatory behaviour and will work closely with the relevant authorities to ensure perpetrators face appropriate club sanctions and police action.
Supporters play a crucial role in creating inclusive matchday environments. If you witness homophobic or discriminatory behaviour, you can report it directly using the club’s reporting mechanisms.
If you would like to make report, please TEXT or WhatsApp 07542 850 902. Alternatively you can contact Kick It Out, or by alerting a steward.