The EFL has introduced a Rainbow Ball to celebrate LGBT+ History Month. All 72 clubs in the Championship, League One and League Two will use this ball, created by Puma, for the next two matchdays.
This is believed to be the first time a rainbow football will be used in professional football in England. The design shows support for the LGBT+ community. The EFL stated that the Rainbow Ball symbolises that football is for everyone.
Copies of the Rainbow Ball will also be donated to LGBT+ friendly community football clubs and fans. Additionally, EA Sports FC 24 games console players can use the ball in the game from February 15. Puma will make a donation to an LGBT+ Fans for Diversity Fund for every goal scored with the Rainbow Ball.
The funds raised will be used to support LGBT+ fans and their projects. These include initiatives to raise awareness about inclusion in football, events promoting diversity, or providing resources for LGBT+ fans within the sport.
LGBT+ History Month runs throughout February and also comes at the same time as FootballvHomophobia's Month of Action. The initiative has been hailed by the EFL's chief executive Trevor Birch.
«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,» Birch said.
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«We want the Rainbow Ball to be a catalyst for opening conversations and raising awareness and understanding of the issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community as we work to make the game truly inclusive and representative of
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