Football must confront the changing face of homophobia and recommit to tackling the root causes of anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination.
That is the message from the Football v Homophobia (FvH) campaign which has launched its annual Month of Action with a special event at Bolton Wanderers FC.
In February, which is also LGBT+ History Month in the UK, clubs, leagues, county FAs and organisations across the game are encouraged to register as FvH Champions and support the initiative.
At the start of the month, more than 140 have already done so, including at least 20 professional clubs.
Premier League teams Chelsea and Leicester have pledged to amplify #FvH2025, while Leeds United, Sheffield United and Sunderland are among the Championship sides on board.
At least 10 grassroots men’s leagues have so far signed up too, just weeks after the release of an FA grassroots disciplinary review showing a near 20% increase in reports of homophobia, and more proven charges for this type of abuse than for any other.
Meanwhile, analysis of social media at recent men’s and women’s major tournaments reflects high levels of anti-LGBTQ+ abuse directed towards players online.
FvH points to research that shows homophobic language and behaviour in wider society tends to go unreported, creating a “reporting gap”.
Curiously, for grassroots football, Kick It Out received only 29 reports alleging discrimination linked to sexual orientation in 2023/24, while the FA received 678 reports.
FvH campaign director Lou Englefield said: “It’s crucial that people report incidents of homophobia in football wherever they occur so they can be investigated and acted upon.
“But LGBTQ+ people in particular know this data doesn’t provide a full picture, particularly in sports.
“That’s why for this Month of Action, we’re asking clubs and leagues to reaffirm that they are FvH Champions in the ongoing fight against anti-LGBTQ discrimination.
Today marks the start of Football v Homophobia Month of Action ⚪⚫️️⚧️
For #FVH2025, we stand against discrimination and champion an inclusive game where LGBTQ+ people are welcome, and valued. Football is for everyone!
Learn more about the campaign here
footballvhomophobia.com— Rainbow Devils (@rainbowdevils.bsky.social) 1 February 2025 at 20:29
“Our campaign has been running since 2010 and the situation continues to evolve. Even this week, we’re seeing homophobia linked to football escalating on social media. Transphobia online is spiking too.
“Kick It Out’s most recent statistics evidence this, alongside a sharp rise in discrimination reports from youth football.
“Tackling this effectively requires preventative measures, targeted education and a clear commitment.
“Registering as an FvH Champion allows clubs, community trusts, leagues and organisations to access resources and be part of an international movement for change.”
As an example, Bolton Wanderers in the Community – who hosted the FvH launch event at the club’s Toughsheet Community Stadium – runs a bespoke project for local LGBTQ young people.
They have developed new skills, built self-confidence and become role models for the programme, as BWitC’s Cormac Noel explained to attendees.
Also representing an EFL club at the FvH event was Hannah Bermudez, who leads on inclusion at Salford City.
She spoke alongside footballer Caz Simone, Northamptonshire FA’s Jordan Mason and Village Manchester FC media officer Bertie Moores on a panel offering advice on how clubs and leagues can be proactive in the FvH Month of Action and beyond.
“You don’t need a lot of money to create a great culture at a football club,” said Bermudez.
“It’s about understanding, empathy and compassion. Sometimes you have to educate people on that, because they might not quite be there yet.”
Simone plays for Huddersfield Town Women and also coaches various age groups. They are non-binary and won the LGBTQ Award on last year’s Football Black List, an annual event supported by the Premier League.
They are also shortlisted for the forthcoming FvH Awards, which will be held in Glasgow on 7 March.
They shared advice on how to react to discriminatory comments from young players. “I will pull them to one side, and ask them why they think this, or where has this come from?
“Often they’ll be honest and say they don’t understand the language, that they heard someone else say it, or they read it on social media.
“Particularly for young people, we need to better educate them if we want to progress, rather than just expect them to know what’s right and wrong.”
The event concluded with three calls to action for clubs and leagues, using the letters that make up the initialism ‘FvH’ – Freshen up your approach to anti-discrimination; Voice your inclusive values; and, Highlight the need to both report and educate.
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