UEFA bans Volkswagen Pride adverts during quarter-finals in Russia and Azerbaijan

UEFA also released a statement in support of the LGBTQ+ community but stated that sponsors are required to be “compliant with local legislation.

“UEFA fully supports the display of such messages of tolerance and respect for diversity,” the statement said. 

“UEFA requires its sponsors to ensure that their artwork is compliant with local legislation and we understand that this not the case in Baku and Saint Petersburg. 

“UEFA will however continue to highlight its fight against all types of discrimination through its Equal Game campaign across all stadiums in all remaining matches.” 

The organization ended their statement stating that “other sponsors” have chosen to not use rainbow-themed advertisements due to Pride Month being over. 

This isn’t the first time that the UEFA has rejected the display of Pride colours. 

At the end of June, Munich was denied the opportunity to light up its stadium in rainbow colours during Germany’s match with Hungary. 

Dieter Reiter, Munich’s mayor, wanted to light up the stadium in protest of the current anti-LGBTQ+ legislation that the Hungary government is imposing.

But even though they were banned from lighting up the stadium many fans wore rainbow colours and flags in support of the LGBTQ+ community. 

Gaytimes.co.uk