Homeless charity Shelter have proposed that to raise awareness of homelessness, Premier League football teams playing at home on the 26th December could wear their away kits. The Premier League has blocked its clubs from wearing their away kits for this initiative, citing rule breaking, as clubs have to prioritise wearing their home kits. 

Shelter believe that the sight of clubs and fans wearing the away kits at the home stadiums would send a powerful message to help raise awareness of homelessness, particularly at a sensitive time for those affected. An estimated 180’000 households have lost their homes during the coronavirus pandemic, with the charity providing advice and support to nearly 23’000 people.

The Football League have announced they will accept requests from its clubs to wear away shirts. We urge the Premier League to reconsider their position on the issue and follow suit, and to allow clubs to make their own decision on whether or not to partake in such a unique way for such a charitable cause.