Jacquard Brand Patterns Are Allowed by UEFA, But Banned by FIFA
- Regulatory Disparity: UEFA and domestic leagues are more lenient than FIFA regarding the integration of brand logos directly into the fabric of a shirt through jacquard patterns.
- UEFA's 20 cm² Allowance: Both UEFA and the English FA explicitly permit subtle jacquard weaves or embossing of a single, tonal manufacturer identification, with each individual mark not exceeding 20 square centimetres and no restriction on repetitions.
- FIFA's Strict Ban: FIFA's Section 10.3.5 strictly forbids any decorative pattern that functions as a trademark or gives the visual impression of a Manufacturer Identifier, classifying jacquard brand logos as illegal commercial trademarks without exception.
A common belief is that UEFA’s equipment regulations are the strictest in the world, often forcing brands to alter beautiful domestic designs for European nights. But when it comes to integrating brand logos directly into the fabric of a shirt, UEFA and domestic leagues are actually far more lenient than FIFA.
The UEFA & Premier League Allowance: The 20 cm² Rule
Fans fondly remember the loud, oversized brand-patterned jacquards of the 1990s. Today, knits from major brands do not make use of the rule. A big exception was the Umbro AFC Bournemouth 2021-22 away kit, which featured a micro-embossed double-diamond pattern woven throughout the fabric.
Many assume brand jacquard patterns would be banned in strict European competition. However, both UEFA (Article 24) and the English FA (Section B, Rule 2h) explicitly permit this:
- Brands can use jacquard weaves or embossing to repeat one type of manufacturer identification.
- Each individual mark must not exceed 20 square centimetres.
- There is no restriction on the number of repetitions or their placement.
- The pattern must be tonal (using the base or minor kit color) so it acts as a subtle texture rather than high-contrast branding.
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In addition, teams can add ONE type of team identification to their shirt as a subtle all-over pattern. What does this mean?
UEFA's current regulations would grant permission for the jacquard pattern of the iconic teal Barcelona Kappa 1990s kits. The whole kit would not be allowed because the Sleeve Free zone for badges is missing.
Meanwhile, FIFA handles things differently.
FIFA’s Strict Ban: Section 10.3.5
FIFA’s Section 5C allows factories to use special manufacturing techniques like jacquard weaving and embossing, but it does not grant the explicit carve-out for brand logos that UEFA does. Instead, FIFA strictly enforces Section 10.3.5, which regulates "Decorative Elements." The rule explicitly states that any decorative pattern must not:
FIFA forbids elements that "function as a trademark or include anything that gives the visual impression of a Manufacturer Identifier..."
Because FIFA provides no exception to this clause for woven fabrics, any jacquard pattern that forms a brand logo is instantly classified as an illegal commercial trademark rather than a simple kit texture.
What This Means for Future Kits
Such a Barcelona kit would be allowed by the rules.
Brands designing for domestic leagues and UEFA competitions could experiment with subtle, repeating logo textures. But for international duty under FIFA's jurisdiction, jacquard weaves must remain strictly aesthetic - limited to cultural motifs, abstract geometry, or other types of design.
Did you know about this subtle difference between FIFA and UEFA regulations? Would you like to see it used more often? Let us know in the comments below.