Why is Manchester City's Etihad Stadium renamed for Champions League nights?
Find out more below here on Football Ground Guide.
‘The City of Manchester Stadium’ – Manchester City's Etihad stadium renamed for UEFA Champions League
Under UEFA sponsorship regulations, clubs competing in their European competitions must have a ‘clean stadium’. Advertising must be officially authorised by European football’s main governing body. In fact, Champions League regulations state: “No branding of the stadium sponsor (for example, any name, logo, trademark, design elements, slogan or corporate colours) may be visible.”
Eagle-eyed City supporters would have noticed that the sponsor logos for Etihad and Puma located in the seats of the North and South stands are removed on Champions League nights. Other logos not authorised by UEFA on the inside of the stadium are also covered.
The stadium name can be used over the tannoy for safety and security, or on printed tickets, however, these are exceptions.
Permanent branding placed on the outside of the stadium can remain on matchdays, but the visible parts of the stadium on television, such as the LED screens and what the ball boys wear, are controlled by UEFA. The sponsor logos placed behind managers and players in interviews and press conferences are also controlled by UEFA, instead of the clubs.
Same rules apply to other UEFA Champions League contenders
The same rules are applied to other UEFA Champions League heavyweights. For example, Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium is renamed ‘Arsenal Stadium’, while Bayern Munich have to play at the Fußball Arena München instead of their traditionally named home ground, Allianz Arena.
🏟️ Welcome to Fußball Arena München#UCL | #BayernLazio#CMpnEagles 🦅 pic.twitter.com/SgsSbV7xbY
— S.S.Lazio (@OfficialSSLazio) March 5, 2024
FC Barcelona will also have the same rules applied to them when they move back to Spotify Camp Nou. The Spotify in the name must be removed to comply with UEFA regulations.