UEFA Kit Rules That Force Teams To Change Kit Designs Most Often
Oct 29, 2020, by Chris
The 2020-2021 UEFA Champions League and Europa League are in full swing, with the first three match days being played within three weeks due to the COVID-19 situation. Many teams are not allowed to wear the same kits as in domestic competitions due to UEFA's Equipment Regulations - we take a look at some of the teams that had to change their kit & why they had to change it.
UEFA Equipment Regulations - In Action In 2020-2021 Season
The reason for teams forced to wear different jerseys than domestically are the UEFA Equipment Regulations. The UEFA Equipment Regulations define all parts of the equipment worn by teams and players, including the jerseys. The current UEFA Equipment Regulations consist of 68 pages and more 59 Articles.
There are various reasons why teams have to change their jerseys in UEFA competitions. We take a look at the rules that are broken most often.
Sponsors
The most often reason for teams to change their kit for UEFA competitions are the UEFA sponsor regulations.
UEFA has strict regulations of the number of shirt sponsors (only one on the front & a non-commercial on the lower back) as well as the size of sponsors. Sleeve sponsors are not allowed as well.
UEFA also does not allow tobacco & strong alcohol advertising (more than 15% vol). However, if teams do not wear their regular sponsor (sponsor-free) kit, that is most not because of UEFA regulations but because of the laws of the countries in team's away matches.
Betting sponsors are not allowed in the Netherlands - Valencia had to wear a sponsor-free shirt (instead of bwin)
Wrong Numbers
Logically, UEFA does also have rules for the kit font, both to guarantee a good visibility and a "non-wrong" appearance. In example, UEFA logically does not allow teams to wear numbers with other league symbols. Numbers must contrast enough to the shirt for a good visibility.
Wrong Back Of Kits
UEFA's regulations for the back of shirts might be the most strange ones. While teams have to have a plain space for the shirt numbers (AS Roma was not allowed to have their lollipop design on the back of the shirt), striped / checkered kits are nit allowed to be totally plain.
So kits both have to feature the design of the front but only in the parts not required for numbers & names - the lower part.
In example, teams whose kit did not feature a UEFA confirm back of shirt in 20-21 are AS Roma, cetlic and Olympiakos.
Bad Contrast Of Elements (Contrast)
The most logical rule might be the bad visibility of kits caused by a bad contrast of elements. In example, UEFA did not allow Bayern Munich to have Infrared numbers on their 2020-21 away kit, in contrast to the German Bundesliga.
Color Clashes - Bad Distinguishability Of Opponents
Barcelona Wear Third Third Kit Combination Already This Season
The rule that is applied for every match is the one about color choices and combination - teams therefore often have to create special shorts & socks or mix up their kits (Granada did that away against Alkmaar this October)
Granada wore their away kit with blue home shorts
Check out the full UEFA Equipment Regulations
What do you think of UEFA's Equipment Regulations? Have we missed any important rule that forces teams to change the design of their playing attire? Comment below, and see the full UEFA Equipment Regulations.
AEL Limassol 26-27 Home Kit Revealed
The new AEL Limassol 26-27 home kit has been revealed. Manufactured by Macron, the new AEL Limassol 26-27 home jersey introduces a stylish design for the Cypriot First Division club's upcoming campaign.
Spartak Moscow 26-27 Home & Away Kits Released
Russian club Spartak Moscow have officially released their new home and away kits for the 26-27 season. The new kits are made by Russian sportswear brand Jogel, which continues to supply kits for the team.
The launch of the Spartak Moscow 26-27 kits took place on the exact same day as the release of the new Zenit Saint Petersburg 26-27 kits. Both sets of jerseys were unveiled concurrently by Jogel in a coordinated drop for two of the most prominent clubs in the Russian Premier League.
The new Jogel Spartak Moscow 26-27 home and away shirts will be worn throughout the upcoming domestic campaign. The simultaneous release highlights the manufacturer's growing presence across Russian football.
Hradec Králové 26-27 Home & Away Kit Released
Czech First League side Hradec Králové have unveiled their new home and away kit, made by Jako and to be worn in the upcoming 2026-27 season.
The two kits bring contrast approaches: The home kit is an interesting take on the traditional black and white stripes, with subtle abstract inside each stripe and a horizontal black band for sponsor placement. The away kit, on the other hand, is a simple yellow design with similar graphic and black accents.
What do you think of Hradec Králové 2026-27 home and away kits? Leave your thoughts in the comment below.
Airdrieonians FC 26-27 Home & Away Kit Released
Scottish League One side Airdrieonians FC have introduced their new looks for the upcoming 2026-27 season, made by Puma.
Both of the new designs share one identical idea: a huge red V-shaped band across the chest - which is also the club's signature graphic. Similar feature also appear on the sleeves, creating a matching full looks. While the home kit use traditional white base, the away kit is in all black.
What do you think about Airdrieonians FC 2026-27 home and away kits? Leave your thoughts in the comment below.
Aston Villa Announces Visit Rwanda as Front-of-Shirt Sponsor
Aston Villa have officially announced Visit Rwanda as the club's new Principal Partner, Official Tourism Partner, and Official Coffee Provider.
Starting from the 26-27 season, the Visit Rwanda logo will appear on the front of all men's, women's, and academy team shirts. The partnership expands the Rwanda Development Board's strategy of utilizing high-profile football sponsorships to promote global tourism.
Described as the most lucrative sponsorship deal in Aston Villa's history, reports indicate the agreement is worth up to £20 million per year including bonuses.
Brackley Town 26-27 Home & Away Kits Released
National League North side Brackley Town FC have officially launched their new Adidas home and away kits for the 26-27 season.
Produced in collaboration with Pro Direct Soccer, the Brackley Town 26-27 home shirt features the club's traditional red and white stripes. The Brackley Town 26-27 away shirt introduces a sleek look with a black base complemented by striking golden-yellow pinstripes.
Both the new home and away kits are available to purchase online, retailing at £50 for adult sizes and £45 for youth sizes.