Seventh season of Football for All campaign kicks off
This weekend sees the seventh edition of Football for All, a nationwide campaign to promote diversity in Belgian football.
From Friday, teams in the Jupiler Pro League (men's top flight) and the Lotto Super League (women's top flight) will once again take to the pitch in rainbow colours. Captains will wear rainbow armbands and corner flags will feature the rainbow motif, symbolising the sport's ongoing commitment to inclusivity.
Promote LGBTQIA+
The Pro League is using the occasion to highlight its ongoing efforts to promote LGBTQIA+ inclusion in football. A practical guide to help clubs create a more LGBTQIA+-friendly environment was published last season and is already being implemented by several teams.
Equality organisation Out For The Win continues to support clubs in turning intentions into action. "The commitment is growing, step by step," said the Pro League.
Union Saint-Gilloise has also taken independent action by supporting the Rainbow Refugee Committee, which provides support to LGBTQIA+ refugees.
Breaking down barriers
Additionally, the Pro League has launched Bridge, a project that aims to identify and break down the barriers faced by football fans from immigrant backgrounds.
These initiatives are part of the Come Together action plan - a joint effort by the Pro League, the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) and the language wings - to combat all forms of discrimination, including homophobia, transphobia, racism and inequality. A central reporting point for discriminatory incidents has already been set up as part of the initiative.
"The message is clear," the Pro League said in a press release on Thursday. "Everyone should be able to be themselves - in our stadiums and beyond.
© BELGA PHOTO BRUNO FAHY
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