Nike Goalkeepers Use Gloves That Are Actually Banned By UEFA Rules

If you are an UEFA kit rules expert and watched the UEFA Champions league matches this month, you might have noticed that the gloves of Nike goalkeepers like Thibaut Courtois featured a large Swoosh that is actually not allowed by UEFA. Thanks to Footpack for the hint.

Nike Vapor Grip III Keeper Glove Feature Too Large Swoosh

The UEFA kit regulations state have rules for all equipment used by players, including goalkeeper gloves. Aritcle 41.01 f regulates that "One manufacturer identification not exceeding 20cm² is allowed in any position on each goalkeeper glove."

UEFA Equipment Regulations - Goalkeeper Gloves

i. One team identification not exceeding 20cm² is allowed in any position on each goalkeeper glove.

ii. One manufacturer identification not exceeding 20cm² is allowed in any position on each goalkeeper glove.

iii. A quality seal, technology label or second manufacturer identification is allowed in any position on each goalkeeper glove. Whichever is used, it must not exceed 10cm².

iv. The name of the goalkeeper may be written in upper and/or lo

The logo on the Nike Vapor Touch III goalkeeper gloves is bigger than 20cm², and so not allowed by UEFA kit rules.

Nike is actually aware of that problem and created special goalkeeper gloves for some of their keepers, for example BVB's Bürki. Most Nike goalkeepers, however, are using gloves not allowed by UEFA. RB Leipzig goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo taped the branding in the UEFA Europa League.

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In fact, two years ago, Buffon had to cover the Puma logo with tape in order to comply with the UEFA goalkeeper glove rules.

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