For UEFA Europa League matches, the clubs undertake to observe UEFA’s instructions regarding the commercial exclusive zone and operations and access to stadium facilities. In particular, the home club must provide a "clean stadium" by at least the morning of two days before a match, meaning that no advertising except that officially authorised by UEFA may be located within the commercial exclusive zone. In particular, they may not place any advertising or dressing material at pitch level or carry out any promotional activities at pitch level.
The relevant commercial exclusive zone shall be determined by UEFA. Further details of the commercial exclusive zone are set out in the UEFA Europa League Club Manual.
Any stadium naming rights granted by the club are subject to the requirements regarding the commercial exclusive zone. This means that, subject to the following exceptions, no branding of the stadium sponsor (for example, any name, logo, trademark, design elements, slogan or corporate colours) may be visible in the commercial exclusive zone. Similarly, subject to the following exceptions, no such branding may be visible on any competition materials. The following exceptions apply only in relation to one stadium sponsor that has been granted long-term stadium naming rights:
-
The name of the stadium sponsor may be announced (as part of the stadium name) over the stadium PA system for the sole purpose of denominating the stadium if required for safety and security reasons. No additional identification connected with the stadium sponsor (for example, a jingle) may be included in the announcement.
-
The name of the stadium sponsor may appear as part of the stadium name on printed materials for the UEFA Europa League, including match tickets, for the sole purpose of denominating the stadium if required for safety and security reasons and only in a non-commercial typeface, colour and without any logos.
-
The name of the stadium sponsor may appear as part of the permanent stadium name signage on the outside of the stadium building. Existing signage must be determined during the site visit and/or any season preparation information exchanges to ensure that no additional signage is subsequently added.
Only UEFA logos and the logos of UEFA's partners may be displayed at press conferences, flash interviews and in mixed zones at UEFA Europa League matches. In accordance with Chapter VI, the clothing of all players, coaches and team personnel participating in press conferences and/or interviews must be in compliance with the UEFA Equipment Regulations.
Commercial exclusivity granted to UEFA's partners in the commercial exclusive zone includes UEFA's right to allow promotional activities by partners such as commercial spots on the stadium scoreboard, promotions involving the ball kids, centre circle carriers, flag bearers, player escorts, referee escorts, a match ball carrier or the player of the match, half-time promotions, stadium tours, product displays, brand promotions, merchandise sales and such other activities as designated and required by UEFA. Any sales activity undertaken by partners in the commercial exclusive zone may only be in respect of products and/or services related to their association with the competition.
UEFA reserves the right to install and/or display competition branding and/or partner branding in or on the commercial exclusive zone.