After six years of denouncing homophobia each year with rainbow motifs on jerseys, the LFP is abandoning the colorful pattern. This decision is justified by the obstacles it would pose to progress during workshops in clubs.
No less than 150 workshops in 45 different clubs have been conducted since 2021. The Professional Football League (LFP) is proud of its work in the fight against homophobia, carried out among Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 players, training centers, and even supporters. Last Friday, during a press briefing where it presented its new awareness campaign against discrimination, the LFP almost wanted to focus solely on that. It also had to answer the fateful question: why is the rainbow disappearing?
Since 2019, alongside the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (May 17), the LFP had made it a tradition to dedicate a weekend to this commitment. Among the actions, one was always very visual: the rainbow-colored captain’s armbands (2019-2021), player numbers in color (2022-2023), and then the LFP badge on the sleeve (2024-2025). And every time, controversies arose, with players refusing to play their matches under those conditions, some even putting tape over the LFP badge last year.
Context: The LFP has decided to move away from using rainbow motifs on jerseys as part of its campaign against homophobia due to concerns about potential disruptions in workshops at clubs.
Fact Check: The decision to remove rainbow motifs sparked controversy among players, with some expressing discomfort with the change.
Fostering dialogue during workshops
This year, the League has united four types of discrimination (racism, sexism, antisemitism, and homophobia) under one banner. This weekend, players will wear the names of victims of these discriminations on the back of their jerseys. The aim: “Put the victims at the center” and “propose an awareness campaign to raise awareness, but in a non-moralizing way,” according to the LFP. The implication is clear: avoid upsetting players and triggering new controversies, which tend to also strain coaches and club executives.
Yoann Lemaire, president of the Foot Ensemble association, sees this as a “step forward” to improve interactions during workshops. The communication from the LFP reinforces this, stating, “In workshops, we seek efficiency, debate, and interactivity. Over time, we preferred to have workshops where we grouped the various discriminations, and we were much more effective. That’s where we open doors and have much more dialogue.”
Fact Check: The LFP has shifted its focus to promoting dialogue and efficiency during workshops by addressing multiple forms of discrimination together, rather than separately.
“Adapt and persevere”
Lemaire, a former openly gay footballer, initially hesitated regarding the abandonment of the rainbow motif, fearing it would validate those who rejected it. During an informal discussion in a locker room on the sidelines of a workshop, a professional player turned to him, questioning the usefulness of the controversies they were facing. This question still resonates with Lemaire.
In response to homophobic acts and chants, the LFP has also committed to disciplinary measures, according to Arnaud Rouger, the general director of the LFP. Since the start of the season, there have been €155,000 in fines and 10 stands closed for discriminatory chants. The handling of these chants remains a complex and touchy subject, where the effectiveness of sanctions has been limited. Lemaire notes a growing tolerance in locker rooms, emphasizing that tolerance does not equate acceptance.
Context: The LFP is emphasizing the importance of adapting to challenges and persisting in the face of homophobic incidents, while also focusing on disciplinary measures to address discriminatory chants and behavior in football.
Fact Check: Arnaud Rouger, the general director of the LFP, highlighted the disciplinary actions taken against discriminatory chants and behavior in football, including fines and stand closures.
