Sunderland’s hidden Europa League stadium rules explained as Stadium of Light checks emerge
Sunderland will have to meet UEFA stadium regulations next season, though none are expected to be an issue.
Sunderland’s return to the Europa League will bring a new set of rules, requirements and matchday procedures to the Stadium of Light next season.
While the main focus for supporters will naturally be on the draw, the fixtures and the European nights themselves, the club will also have to adhere to UEFA’s stadium regulations throughout the competition. None of these requirements are expected to cause Sunderland any major issue, with the Stadium of Light already an established Premier League venue.
What are the pitch rules?
UEFA’s regulations state that the home club must make “every reasonable effort” to ensure the pitch is in the best possible condition for play. The governing body can carry out pitch inspections before and during the competition, while clubs are expected to cooperate fully with those checks.
For natural grass pitches, the grass must not exceed 30mm, and the whole playing surface must be cut to the same height. The pitch-watering schedule must also be communicated at the organisational meeting before the game, with watering generally expected to finish 60 minutes before kick-off. However, clubs are allowed to water between 10 and five minutes before kick-off and again at half-time for a maximum of five minutes.
Sunderland will also have to follow UEFA’s pitch protection maps for training sessions, warm-ups and cool-downs. Any full or partial pitch replacement would need to be communicated to UEFA in advance.
What about floodlights?
From the league phase onwards, Europa League matches must be played under floodlights. UEFA’s regulations state that stadiums must meet the required lighting levels for a category four stadium, and clubs must ensure their floodlight systems are regularly maintained. UEFA can also carry out independent checks on lighting levels and inform clubs of any corrections that need to be made.
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Full floodlighting must also be available for training sessions the day before matches and from two hours before kick-off, unless required earlier for operational reasons. There are also rules around LED light shows. UEFA may permit entertainment lighting, but only at specific points - before the warm-up, between the warm-up and the players leaving the tunnel, or after the match. Exceptions can be agreed in specific circumstances, such as during a moment of silence.
Are there rules around goal-line technology and VAR?
Yes. UEFA’s regulations cover football technologies, including approved systems such as goal-line technology and VAR. Clubs must allow UEFA and its suppliers to install approved technology inside the stadium and provide reasonable access to facilities when required. The club and stadium operator are also responsible for ensuring any UEFA-installed equipment remains secure and is not moved or damaged between matches.
For VAR, during the qualifying phase and play-offs, the home club is required to contract a broadcast or technical partner to produce a broadcast output of the match, even if the match itself is not televised. Sunderland will enter at the league phase, rather than the qualifiers, but the wider point remains that European football brings additional broadcast and technology requirements.
Will any of this be a problem for Sunderland?
No major issues are expected. The Stadium of Light is already used to hosting top-flight football and major events. The pitch, floodlights, football technology, broadcast operations and wider stadium infrastructure will all have to satisfy UEFA requirements, but these regulations are standard for clubs competing in Europe rather than anything unusual or alarming.