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Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Tottenham and Norwich, have refused to back the rainbow laces campaign designed to highlight support for a campaign addressing homophobia.
Certain clubs are unhappy with what they perceive to be a lack of consultation by the betting company Paddy Power and gay rights charity Stonewall around the initiative.
The Premier League champions, Manchester United, will not wear the laces. A statement read: "The club supports the League's central anti-discrimination efforts through Kick It Out. It is a positive move that Stonewall are now speaking to the League directly, rather than working with a commercial provider on a campaign without involving clubs or players at any stage."
Tottenham also made their feelings clear in a statement: "Whilst the campaign message is positive and one we support, there was unfortunately no prior consultation with ourselves, the Premier League or other clubs. Such consultation would have enabled us to avoid issues in respect of associated third-party commercial entities.
"We have contacted Stonewall directly and let them know that we are supportive and keen to discuss ways in which we can work together going forward. We are committed to working with organisations such as Stonewall and other agencies to eradicate homophobia in football and society."
Norwich City support the sentiment behind the rainbow laces campaign but their manager, Chris Hughton, has confirmed his players will not be participating in it during Saturday's Premier League match with Aston Villa.
Norwich have discussed the matter with Stonewall, explaining that the organisation's partnership with Paddy Power conflicts with their own relationship with SBOBET and use of the promotional material would set a precedent other good causes would attempt to follow.
The Premier League has left the decision to individual clubs and Norwich have opted not to partake in Stonewall's initiative. Hughton said: "It's something that we very much support. We have a very good record here at Norwich City Football Club but the Premier League did put out a statement today and we, of course, would have to support what the Premier League say in that statement. This is very much a decision that the club have made. We have to do what is right [for us]."
Paddy Power claimed on Thursday night that they had not mishandled the campaign. A spokesman told the Daily Mail: "The rainbow laces and information were distributed to all clubs last Friday, three days before the launch, to give them a few days to discuss with players about supporting the campaign."
Everton have said they will support the campaign, with their players wearing the laces against West Ham.
"We don't tolerate discrimination of any kind at Everton and the whole club works hard to get that message out to the fans," the captain, Phil Jagielka, said. "No one should feel that they can't be themselves – on or off the pitch – so that is why we are supporting this initiative."
The Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker has indicated that he will wear the laces on the programme.
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