UEFA approves pitch-side rainbow ads for Euro 2020 game in Hungary

UEFA approves pitch-side rainbow ads for Euro 2020 game in Hungary, despite banning rainbow lights in Munich.

UEFA has approved pitch-side rainbow Pride advertising for all Euro 2020 round of 16 games, including in Hungary, despite banning rainbow lights at Munich’s Allianz Arena.

Earlier this month, UEFA blocked Munich’s Allianz Arena from lighting up in rainbow colours for the Germany v Hungary Euro 2020 game.

UEFA said the lights, which would have been a statement against Hungary’s law banning the “promotion” of LGBT+ issues, were too “political”.

But now, according to The Athletic, the football administrative body has approved pitch-side rainbow advertising for all eight of the round of 16 matches in the Euro 2020 tournament, including the Netherlands v Czech Republic game which will be played in Budapest, Hungary.

Many of the sponsors advertising at the games, including Booking.com, Volkswagen, Heineken and JustEat, have created adverts in rainbow colours for Pride month.

UEFA said in a statement: “Every partner can decide on their respective messages, artwork and activation activities and their decisions to transmit a message of tolerance and inclusion is fully supported by UEFA.”

Football fans were thoroughly confused about decision, and accused UEFA of only supporting the symbol of LGBT+ rights for profit.