Premier League Defies FIFA's Shorts Kit Clash Regulations
Apr 28, 2026, by Chris
- Premier League Shorts Policy: The Premier League uniquely allows teams to wear same-colored shorts as long as their shirts and socks offer sufficient contrast, unlike FIFA's strict item-by-item contrast rules.
- FIFA Equipment Regulations: The updated 2025 FIFA Equipment Regulations mandate that each item of a team's playing kit must contrast sufficiently with the equivalent item worn by the opposing team.
- Manchester United's Stance: Manchester United proposed a rule amendment to ban shorts clashes in the early 2010s but it was defeated, however, they now create the most kit combinations to avoid clashes in away matches while maintaining their classic home colors.
In international football and UEFA competitions, kit clashes are strictly monitored down to the very last detail. However, the English Premier League continues to operate under its own unique interpretation of the rules, regularly allowing competing teams to wear matching shorts. Huge thanks to allmyownresearch for in-depth information, and The_Kitsman and DannyAdelante for some additional info.
Same-colored shorts are very common in English football, but not allowed internationally
Premier League Allows Teams to Wear Same-Colored Shorts
The newly updated 2025 FIFA Equipment Regulations are completely unequivocal on the matter. Under rule 6.2.1, the governing body strictly mandates: "Each item of Playing Kit worn by one Team must contrast sufficiently with the equivalent item of Playing Kit worn by the other Team."
Barcelona had to create red change shorts to avoid a shorts clash with Atlético
For Premier League, only the shirt and socks can clash
While FIFA demands absolute visual distinction across shirts, shorts, and socks, the Premier League deliberately keeps a loophole open. English top-flight rules only require the overall strip to offer a "sufficient contrast," meaning two teams are perfectly allowed to wear the exact same color shorts as long as their shirts and socks clearly differ.
Manchester United wanted to end shorts clashes in the early 2010s
The reasoning behind this uniquely English phenomenon comes down to protecting traditional club identities over strict refereeing visibility. In fact, Manchester United proposed an official rule amendment at the Premier League AGM more than 10 years ago to ban shorts clashes entirely, mirroring UEFA's standards. However, the motion was heavily defeated, with 14 out of 20 clubs voting against it to ensure they could wear their classic home colors as often as possible.
As a result, we still regularly see Premier League matchups where both teams take to the pitch in identical shorts - a sight that would be immediately vetoed by the referee in the Champions League or the World Cup.
Leeds United used to change the colors of their shorts, but did not do so this year
Interestingly, Manchester United, which wanted to change the interpretation of the kit clash rule, is today the team that creates the most combos to avoid clashes, but only in away matches. In home games, they wear their classic red/white/black combo.
Do you prefer the strict item-by-item contrast rules of FIFA, or do you like that the Premier League allows matching shorts to keep traditional club looks intact? Let us know in the comments below, and read an excellent in-depth article about the Premier League's shorts dilemma on allmyownresearch.
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