UEFA rejects Munich request for rainbow colours for Germany vs Hungary match

Munich's Allianz Arena stadium will not be illuminated in rainbow colours for Germany’s final group game against Hungary at the European Championship on Wednesday.

UEFA has declined the Munich city council’s application to have its stadium filled with colours, saying it understands the intention behind the proposal but it “must decline this request” because of its political context.

Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter’s application on behalf of the council made clear the request was to show solidarity with the LGBT community in Hungary after the country passed a new law denounced as homophobic by human rights groups.

The new legislation prohibits sharing with minors any content portraying homosexuality or sex reassignment, taking all mention of gay and trans issues off the school curriculum.

UEFA says it believes “that discrimination can only be fought in close collaboration with others.”

Instead, it has proposed that Munich illuminates the stadium with rainbow colours on June 28 for Christopher Street Day or between July 3-9 for the Christopher Street Day week in the city.

UEFA's move has sparked criticism, with an online petition to support the lighting of the Allianz Arena stadium in rainbow colour gaining momentum.

Rainer Koch, send a sign for tolerance! Accept the petition and let the #AllianzArena shine in rainbow colors on June 23. #SportPride @UEFA @DFB @DFB_Team @StadtMuenchen #UEFA #Regenbogenfarben https://t.co/NEmIKWigjm

— Chris Sch⭕uten🌹🌳 (@CCSchouten) June 22, 2021

French Deputy Minister for European Affairs Clément Beaune told reporters that France "regretted" UEFA's decision.