Premium Content:

FIFA 17 rainbow uniform causes outrage, may break Russian law

RAINBOW KIT FIFA 17

A rainbow striped outfit in the latest FIFA video game has caused outrage online with anti-LGBT gamers and even the Russian government.

- Advertisement -

The rainbow kit which was available as optional downloadable content in FIFA 17 is part of the UK Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign, an LGBTIQ+ inclusivity initiative in conjunction with LGBTI rights group Stonewall that focuses on professional sport.

Russian politicians have noted that the game may be in breach of the country’s “gay propaganda” laws, which prohibits “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relationships” being presented to minors.

Irina Rodnina, a member of President Putin’s United Russia Party, told Russian media that the nation’s censorship body should probe the downloadable rainbow kit offered in the game.

“In November this year, it became known that the FIFA video game, developed by EA Canada, allows the users to support the English Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign campaign in support of the LGBT community,” Ms Rodnina said in a statement.

“According to law, [Russia must] protect children from information harmful to their health or development, including propaganda of non-traditional sexual relationships.”

Beyond Russia, there have been reports of players announcing they will no longer play the game as a result of the rainbow uniform being offered.


Though the limited rainbow kit promotion has now ended, publishers EA Sports have begun a new campaign which allows players to purchase a red uniform in support of World AIDS Day.

OIP Staff


Sources

Latest

On This Gay Day | Sir Peter Pears passed away in 1986

Opera singer Peter Pears passed away on this day in 1986, aged 75.

Former WA Governor Malcolm McCusker to lead inquiry into election

Premier Roger Cook said today that there was no question over who won each seat at the election.

Local legend Ivan King to share his reflections

The much loved local actor and theatre historian has some stories to tell.

‘Thirst’ will be Yirra Yaakin’s first production for 2025

The world premiere of the new play is on 29th April.

Newsletter

Don't miss

On This Gay Day | Sir Peter Pears passed away in 1986

Opera singer Peter Pears passed away on this day in 1986, aged 75.

Former WA Governor Malcolm McCusker to lead inquiry into election

Premier Roger Cook said today that there was no question over who won each seat at the election.

Local legend Ivan King to share his reflections

The much loved local actor and theatre historian has some stories to tell.

‘Thirst’ will be Yirra Yaakin’s first production for 2025

The world premiere of the new play is on 29th April.

Film star Val Kilmer dead at 65

The actor was one of the biggest stars of the 1980s and 1990s.

On This Gay Day | Sir Peter Pears passed away in 1986

Opera singer Peter Pears passed away on this day in 1986, aged 75.

Former WA Governor Malcolm McCusker to lead inquiry into election

Premier Roger Cook said today that there was no question over who won each seat at the election.

Local legend Ivan King to share his reflections

The much loved local actor and theatre historian has some stories to tell.