Euro 2020: UEFA bans rainbow-colored advertising in Baku and St. Petersburg

Euro 2020 sponsors have been asked not to use rainbow-colored advertising at two quarterfinal venues, Volkswagen announced on Friday. The decision is the latest to cloud UEFA’s message of inclusivity in football.

   

Rainbow colors have been a predominant feature at Euro 2020

When it comes to the promotion of inclusivity and tolerance in football, UEFA continues to talk the talk whilst struggling to walk the walk. 

The latest decision from European football’s governing body has seen them ask Euro 2020 sponsors to refrain from using rainbow-colored advertising at stadiums in Baku, Azerbaijan, and St. Petersburg, Russia, during the quarterfinals, tournament partner Volkswagen said on Friday.

"Due to UEFA's concerns about the legal framework for venues in Russia and Azerbaijan, the association informed us it wouldn't be possible to use rainbow-colored advertising in St. Petersburg and Baku," the German carmakers said in a statement on Friday.

Pitch-side hoardings will remain in place in Munich, Germany, and Rome, Italy, as well as for the semifinals and final in the UK capital, London. Nevertheless, VW said they "regretted" UEFA's decision because they wanted to continue sending "a clear signal in favor of diversity."

Rainbow colors have been on full display during Euro 2020 despite UEFA sending mixed messages

Mixed messages from UEFA

Rainbow colors are the internationally recognized symbol for the LGBTQ communities and have hit the headlines more than once during the multi-country competition.

UEFA last week rejected a request from Munich's city council to have their stadium illuminated in rainbow colors for Germany's group game against Hungary, citing the political nature of the appeal.

Several Euro 2020 sponsors, including Volkswagen, instead used rainbow-colored adverts in stadiums during the round of 16 matches, although none of those games were played in Russia or Azerbaijan.

In response, UEFA put out a statement that claimed the colors of the rainbow were "a symbol that embodies our core values, promoting everything that we believe in — a more just and egalitarian society, tolerant of everyone, regardless of their background, belief or gender."

In the fight for respect, tolerance and equality, UEFA's latest decision continues to send mixed messages during their showpiece summer event.

 dpa/jt/mds/jw

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