Regulations of the UEFA Nations League

Preamble

The following regulations have been adopted on the basis of Articles 49(2)(a) and 50(1) of the UEFA Statutes.

I - General Provisions

Article 1 Scope of application

1.01 The present regulations govern the rights, duties and responsibilities of all parties participating and involved in the preparation and organisation of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League (hereinafter the competition).

Article 2 Definitions

2.01 In these regulations, the use of the masculine form refers equally to the feminine, and vice versa.

2.02 In the context of these regulations, the following definitions apply:

Association imagery

In relation to any participating association, that association’s (and its team’s) name, nicknames, symbols, emblems, logos, marks, designations and playing attire, including its colours and designs (with or without any references to the shirt manufacturer).

Commercial affiliate

A sponsor or other commercial partner appointed by UEFA for the competition.

Commercial rights

Any and all commercial rights and opportunities in and in relation to the competition, including media rights, marketing rights and data rights.

Competition area

The technical areas as defined in the IFAB Laws of the Game and all areas that are primarily used by players and the referee team as well as the officials and venue team members during the match, plus the fourth official's position, any seats in the stands used by either team's sporting delegation, the referee review area (RRA) if video assistant referees are used, the players' tunnel, the team and referee dressing rooms, the medical room and the doping control station.

Data rights

The right to compile and exploit statistics and other data in relation to the competition.

Doping

The occurrence of one or more of the anti-doping rule violations set out in the UEFA Anti-Doping Regulations.

Football technologies

Any of the technologies that may be used at competition matches in accordance with the IFAB Laws of the Game and in line with UEFA's instructions, e.g. goal-line technology, video assistant referee system, medical video review system.

Goal-line technology (GLT)

A camera-based tracking system used to support the referee's decision as to whether a goal has been scored.

Host association

The UEFA member association organising a league phase, quarter-final or play-off match or the association designated by the UEFA Executive Committee to stage the finals.

Host broadcaster (HB)

The media production team (including official broadcast partners) responsible among other things for the multilateral production of the television and media promotion and coverage of the competition (any mention of 'international media', 'media representatives' and other similar references include host broadcaster within their meaning).

Local organising structure (LOS)

The working group or separate entity created by the host association to ensure the implementation and delivery of all matches of the finals, consisting of representatives of the host association, the stadiums, the safety/security services, the host city authorities and/or the relevant host country authorities, as well as any other third party, public body or agency, (including transport network and traffic management service) as decided by the host association.

Marketing rights

The right to advertise, promote, endorse and market the competition; to conduct public relations activities in relation to the competition; and to exploit all advertising, sponsorship, hospitality, licensing, merchandising, publishing, betting, gaming, retailing, music and franchising opportunities and all other rights of commercial association with the competition (including through ticket promotions).

Media rights

The right to create, distribute and transmit audiovisual, visual and/or audio coverage of all or any part of the competition and all associated and/or related rights, including fixed media, download and interactive rights, on a linear and/or on-demand basis for reception at any time including on a live and/or delayed basis anywhere in the world by any and all means and in any and all media, whether now known or devised in the future (including all forms of television, radio, mobile, wireless and internet distribution).

UEFA spectator capacity

All seats and allocated standing places in the stadium that comply with the UEFA Stadium Infrastructure Regulations, minus any seats permanently assigned to media and broadcasters.

Video assistant referee (VAR)

A match official who may assist the referee in making a decision using replay footage.

Venue

The location of the stadium of the match, including the area controlled by the relevant competent authorities but also any relevant surrounding areas.

2.03 In the context of these regulations, any phrase introduced by the terms 'including', 'include', 'in particular', 'for example' or any similar expression is illustrative and does not limit the sense of the words preceding those terms.

Article 3 Competition frequency and entries

3.01 UEFA stages the competition every two years, over one season.

3.02 Every UEFA member association (hereinafter association) may enter its national senior men's team for the competition.

Article 4 Admission criteria and procedure

4.01 To be eligible to participate in the competition, associations must:

1. confirm in writing that they themselves, as well as their players and officials, comply with the IFAB Laws of the Game promulgated by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and agree to respect the statutes (including the principles of fair play as defined therein), regulations, protocols, directives and decisions of UEFA;

2. confirm in writing that they themselves, as well as their players and officials, agree to recognise the jurisdiction of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland, as defined in the relevant provisions of the UEFA Statutes and agree that any proceedings before the CAS concerning admission to, participation in or exclusion from the competition will be held in an expedited manner in accordance with the CAS Code of Sports-related Arbitration and with the directions issued by the CAS, including for provisional or super-provisional measures, to the explicit exclusion of any state or other court;

3. fill in the official entry documents (i.e. all documents containing the information deemed necessary by the UEFA administration for ascertaining compliance with the admission criteria), which must reach the UEFA administration within the deadline set by the latter and communicated in due course through a circular letter sent to all associations.

4.02 The UEFA administration decides on admission to the competition. Such decisions are final.

Article 5 Duties of the associations

5.01 On entering the competition, participating associations agree:

1. to play in the competition until their elimination and to field their strongest team throughout the competition;

2. to play all matches under the direction of a head coach who is confirmed by the relevant national association as being the head coach/manager responsible for the selection, tactics and training of the team squad and the management of the players and technical staff in the dressing room and the technical area before, during and after the match; the head coach must hold the highest valid coaching qualification of the association by which the head coach is employed (based on the implementation status of the UEFA Coaching Convention), but at least a valid UEFA A licence, or, subject to domestic regulations, have at least started the required UEFA coaching diploma course (simple registration for the required diploma course is not sufficient to meet this criterion). The same requirements apply to the assistant coach with regard to the second highest available valid coaching qualification but at least a valid UEFA B licence;

3. to stage and play all matches in the competition in accordance with the present regulations;

4. to comply with all decisions regarding the competition taken by the UEFA Executive Committee, the UEFA administration or any other competent body and communicated appropriately (by UEFA circular letter or by official letter or email);

5. to observe the UEFA Safety and Security Regulations for all matches in the competition;

6. to stage each match in the competition in a stadium meeting the structural criteria of the stadium category required by Paragraph 29.01 and to make the stadium available and accessible to UEFA from two days before the match until one day after the match unless communicated otherwise by the UEFA administration;

7. to indemnify, defend and hold UEFA, its subsidiaries and any LOS and all of their officers, directors, employees, representatives, agents and other auxiliary persons free and harmless against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, actions, fines and expenses (including reasonable legal expenses) of whatsoever kind or nature resulting from, arising out of, or attributable to any non-compliance by the association or any of its players, officials, employees, representatives or agents with these regulations;

8. to adhere to the principles governing the release of players for association teams as laid out in Annexe 1, Article 1 of the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players;

9. to cooperate with UEFA at any time – and in particular at the end of each match – in the collection of items from the game and players' personal items that could be used by UEFA to create a memorabilia collection to illustrate the heritage of the competition, to the exclusion of any commercial use;

10. not to represent UEFA or the competition without UEFA’s prior written approval;

11. to arrange and play friendly matches on dates left available to their teams within the international windows after UEFA has established the fixture list.

Article 6 Responsibilities of the associations

6.01 The associations are responsible for the behaviour of their players, officials, members, supporters and any person carrying out a function at a match on their behalf.

6.02 Matches must be played in stadiums within the territory of the host association. Exceptionally, matches may be played in the territory of another association, if so decided by the relevant UEFA bodies, for instance for reasons of safety or as a result of a disciplinary measure.

6.03 The host association is responsible for safety and security before, during and after the match. The host association may be called to account for incidents of any kind and may be disciplined.

6.04 Minimum medical requirements concerning the provision of facilities, equipment and personnel by the host association are set out in the UEFA Medical Regulations. For the avoidance of doubt, the host association has sole responsibility for the provision and operation of any facilities and equipment required in the above-mentioned regulations.

6.05 Associations are responsible for guaranteeing the application of sustainability principles in their activities throughout the full duration of the competition, through respect for human rights and the environment.

6.06 If necessary, visiting associations must apply for visas from the diplomatic mission of the host country well in advance of their trip. Upon request, host associations must assist visiting associations as much as possible with their visa formalities.

6.07 In the weeks prior to each match, associations must enter the required information into UEFA’s TIME platform.

6.08 The UEFA administration informs the associations participating in the finals about any further guidelines, directives or decisions related to that stage of the competition and provides them with all relevant documents in due time.

Article 7 Anti-doping

7.01 Doping is forbidden and is a punishable offence. In the event of an anti-doping rule violation, UEFA will instigate disciplinary proceedings and take the appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations and UEFA Anti-Doping Regulations. This may include the imposition of provisional measures.

7.02 UEFA may test any player at any time.

Article 8 Fair play

8.01 All UEFA competition matches must be played in accordance with the principles of fair play as defined in the UEFA Statutes.

8.02 Fair play assessments are conducted at all matches in the competition in accordance with the UEFA Fair Play Regulations, in order to establish association fair play rankings at the end of each season.

Article 9 Insurance

9.01 All persons involved in the competition are responsible for their own insurance cover.

9.02 Unless otherwise communicated in writing by UEFA, associations are responsible for and undertake to conclude all necessary and adequate insurance cover for their delegations, including players and officials, at their own expense.

9.03 The host association must ensure that the owners and/or operators of all official sites, including stadiums, provide fully comprehensive insurance cover, including third-party liability and property damage. If appropriate insurance policies are not provided in due time by the owner and/or operator of an official site, the host association is required to conclude the necessary additional insurance cover at its own cost, failing which it may be concluded by UEFA at the host association’s expense.

9.04 All insurances must cover the full period of the competition, including the preparation and the post-competition phase.

9.05 Claims for damages against UEFA are expressly excluded and anyone involved must hold UEFA harmless from any and all claims for liability arising in relation to the competition. In any case, UEFA may request anyone involved to provide, free of charge, written releases of liability, hold harmless notes, confirmation and/or copies of the policies concerned in one of UEFA’s official languages.

9.06 The host association must perform an assessment of the risks involved in organising and staging matches and conclude – with reputable insurers and at its own cost – all necessary insurance to cover such risks, including third-party liability and spectator accident coverage. The host association is responsible for ensuring that UEFA is included into the policies as a co-insured party.

9.07 The third-party liability policy must include an appropriate guaranteed sum for damage/injury for all occurrences (including bad weather, force majeure and terrorism) to persons, objects, property, and for pure economic losses, and it must correspond to the specific circumstances of the associations concerned.

9.08 The host association of the finals must perform an assessment of the risks involved in organising and staging the finals and conclude at its own expense adequate insurance cover (including cancellation) for all risks arising from preparing, organising and staging the finals.

Article 10 Trophy, plaques and medals

10.01 The original trophy, which is used for the official presentation ceremony at the final and at other official events approved by UEFA, remains in UEFA’s keeping and ownership at all times. A full-size replica trophy is awarded to the winning association.

10.02 Any association which wins the competition three consecutive times or five times in total receives a special mark of recognition. Once a cycle of three successive wins or five in total has been completed, the association concerned starts a new cycle from zero.

10.03 Replica trophies awarded to winners of the competition (past and current) must remain within the relevant association’s control at all times and may not leave the association’s country without UEFA’s prior written consent. Associations must not permit a replica trophy to be used in any context where a third party (including their sponsors and other partners) is granted visibility or in any other way which could lead to an association between any third party and the trophy and/or the competition. Associations must comply with any trophy use guidelines that the UEFA administration may issue from time to time.

10.04 Associations may not, and may not permit any third party to, develop, create, use, sell or distribute any promotional materials or merchandise bearing any representation of the trophy or any replica thereof (including trophy lift images) or use any such representation in a manner that could lead to an association between any third party and the trophy and/or the competition.

10.05 The winning team is presented with 50 gold medals, the runner-up with 50 silver medals and the third-placed team with 50 bronze medals.

10.06 Each association that competes in the finals receives a commemorative plaque.

Article 11 Intellectual property rights

11.01 UEFA is the exclusive owner of all intellectual property rights of the competition, including any current or future rights in all types of audio and visual material of the competition, names, logos, visual identities, brands, music, mascots, medals, plaques, commemorative items, trophies and certain key elements of the official match ball design. Any use of the aforementioned rights, any imitation and/or variation thereof and any other reference to the competition (such as by associating the name of an association with the date of a match) requires the prior written approval of UEFA and must comply with any conditions imposed by UEFA.

11.02 All rights to the fixture list and match schedule, as well as any data and statistics (including databases in which such data is stored) in relation to the matches of and players’ participation in the competition are the sole and exclusive property of UEFA. No tickets or accreditation may be used by anyone in order to gain access to a venue for the purposes of collecting or gathering such data, and such activities are expressly prohibited. This prohibition does not apply to the participating associations, subject to any and all such data collected being used solely for the purposes of instructing their team, players and officials and expressly excluding any other exploitation or use whatsoever.

II - Competition System

Article 12 Competition stages

12.01 The competition stages are as follows:

1. League phase (14 groups divided into four leagues)

   • League A (four groups of four teams)

   • League B (four groups of four teams)

   • League C (four groups of four teams)

   • League D (two groups of three or four teams)

2. League A knockout stage

   • Quarter-finals

   • Finals

     • Semi-finals

     • Third-place match

     • Final

3. Play-offs for the next edition

   • League A/B play-offs 1, 2, 3 and 4

   • League B/C play-offs 1, 2, 3 and 4

   • League C/D play-offs 1 and 2

12.02 All matches in the competition are played in conformity with the IFAB Laws of the Game. The half-time interval lasts 15 minutes.

Article 13 Group formation – league phase

13.01 The participating teams are divided into the four leagues on the basis of their positions in the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League access list (see Annex C):

1. The 16 teams ranked 1st to 16th enter League A.

2. The 16 teams ranked 17th to 32nd enter League B.

3. The 16 teams ranked 33rd to 48th enter League C.

4. The remaining teams enter League D.

13.02 A draw is held to determine the composition of the groups within each league. The teams in each league are seeded according to the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League access list. Additional draw conditions may be applied, subject to approval by the UEFA Executive Committee.

Article 14 Match system – league phase

14.01 All matches in the league phase are played according to the league system, with each team playing one home match and one away match against each of the other teams in its group. Three points are awarded for a win, one for a draw and none for a defeat.

14.02 On completion of the league phase, final group standings are compiled based on the number of points obtained by each team in the group.

Article 15 Equality of points – league phase

15.01 If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points on completion of the league phase, the following criteria are applied, in this order, to determine the group standings:

1. Higher number of points obtained in the group matches played among the teams in question;

2. Superior goal difference from the group matches played among the teams in question;

3. Higher number of goals scored in the group matches played among the teams in question;

4. If, after having applied criteria a) to c), teams still have an equal ranking, criteria a) to c) are reapplied exclusively to the matches between the remaining teams to determine their final rankings. If this procedure does not lead to a decision, criteria e) to k) apply in the order given to the two or more teams still equal;

5. Superior goal difference in all group matches;

6. Higher number of goals scored in all group matches;

7. Higher number of away goals scored in all group matches;

8. Higher number of wins in all group matches;

9. Higher number of away wins in all group matches;

10. Lower disciplinary points total based only on yellow and red cards received by players and team officials in all group matches (red card = 3 points, yellow card = 1 point, expulsion for two yellow cards in one match = 3 points);

11. Higher position in the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League access list (see Annex C).

Article 16 Match system – play-offs

16.01 The following teams contest the play-offs, which determine their league allocations for the next edition of the competition, based on their ranking in the interim overall 2026/27 UEFA Nations League rankings at the end of the league phase:

1. The League A/B play-offs are contested by:

   • the four third-ranked teams from League A, ranked 9th to 12th in the interim overall rankings;

   • the four runners-up from League B, ranked 21st to 24th in the interim overall rankings.

2. The League B/C play-offs are contested by:

   • the four third-ranked teams from League B, ranked 25th to 28th in the interim overall rankings;

   • the four runners-up from League C, ranked 37th to 40th in the interim overall rankings.

3. The League C/D play-offs are contested by:

   • the two best-ranked fourth-placed teams from League C, ranked 45th and 46th in the interim overall rankings;

   • the two runners-up from League D, ranked 51st and 52nd in the interim overall rankings.

16.02 The play-off pairings are determined by means of a draw. The teams from the higher league are seeded and are drawn against teams from the lower league. Additional draw conditions may be applied, subject to approval by the UEFA Executive Committee.

16.03 The play-offs are played according to the knockout system, with each team playing its opponent twice, once at home and once away. The team that scores the greater aggregate of goals over the two legs wins the play-off tie. Otherwise, the provisions of Article 18 apply.

16.04 In each play-off match, the team from the lower league plays the first leg at home.

16.05 If any of the teams due to participate in the League C/D play-offs qualifies for the European Qualifier play-offs for UEFA EURO 2028 in March 2028, the League C/D play-offs are not played. In this case, the two teams ranked 46th and 47th in the interim overall UEFA Nations League rankings (see Article 19) remain in League C for the next edition of the competition, and the two teams ranked 50th and 51st remain in League D.

Article 17 Match system – League A knockout stage

17.01 The four League A group winners and the four League A runners-up participate in the quarter-finals.

17.02 The quarter-final pairings are referred to as quarter-final 1, quarter-final 2, quarter-final 3 and quarter-final 4 and are determined by means of a draw. The League A group winners are seeded and are each drawn against a runner-up from a different group. Additional draw conditions may be applied, subject to approval by the UEFA Executive Committee.

17.03 The quarter-finals are played according to the knockout system, with each team playing its opponent twice, once at home and once away. The runners-up of each group in League A play the first leg at home. The team that scores the greater aggregate of goals in the two matches qualifies for the semi-finals. Otherwise, the provisions of Article 18 apply.

17.04 The semi-finals, third-place match and final are played in single-leg knockout matches at stadiums designated by the UEFA Executive Committee.

17.05 The semi-final pairings are determined by means of a draw. Draw conditions may be applied, subject to approval by the UEFA Executive Committee.

17.06 For administrative purposes, the first team is considered Team A and the second Team B. If a host association team is a semi-finalist, its semi-final is considered Semi-final 1 and the host association team is considered Team A.

17.07 The winners of the two semi-finals contest the final and the two teams defeated in the semi-finals contest the third-place match. The winner of semi-final 1 is considered Team A for the final, and the defeated team of semi-final 1 is considered Team A for the third-place match.

17.08 The winner of the final is declared the UEFA Nations League winner.

Article 18 Extra time and penalty shoot-outs

18.01 If the two teams involved in a play-off or quarter-final score the same number of goals over the two legs, two 15-minute periods of extra time are played at the end of the second leg. The team that scores more goals during extra time is the winner. If both teams score the same number of goals or no goals are scored during extra time, a penalty shoot-out determines the winner.

18.02 If there is no winner at the end of normal time in a semi-final or the final, two 15-minute periods of extra time are played. If the two teams are still equal after extra time, the winner is determined by a penalty shoot-out.

18.03 If there is no winner at the end of normal time in the third-place match, the winner is determined by a penalty shoot-out.

18.04 If extra time is required, there is a five-minute break between the end of normal time and the start of extra time. The players remain on the field of play during this five-minute break, at the discretion of the referee.

18.05 Penalties are taken in accordance with the IFAB Laws of the Game.

Article 19 Individual league, interim overall and final overall rankings

19.01 Individual league rankings are established on completion of the league phase. In order to rank teams in leagues composed of different sized groups, the results against fourth-placed teams are not taken into account for the purposes of comparing teams placed first, second and third in their respective groups. All results are taken into account for the purposes of comparing teams placed fourth in their respective groups. The following criteria are applied, in the order given:

1. Higher position in the group, on completion of the league phase as determined by Article 14 and Article 15;

2. Higher number of points in the matches taken into account for the overall rankings;

3. Superior goal difference in the matches taken into account for the overall rankings;

4. Higher number of goals scored in the matches taken into account for the overall rankings;

5. Higher number of away goals scored in the matches taken into account for the overall rankings;

6. Higher number of wins in the matches taken into account for the overall rankings;

7. Higher number of away wins in the matches taken into account for the overall rankings;

8. Lower disciplinary points total based only on yellow and red cards received by players and team officials (red card = 3 points, yellow card = 1 point, expulsion for two yellow cards in one match = 3 points) in the matches taken into account for the overall rankings;

9. Higher position in the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League access list (see Annex C).

19.02 Interim overall 2026/27 UEFA Nations League rankings (see Annex C) are established as follows on completion of the league phase:

1. The 16 League A teams are ranked 1st to 16th according to their individual league rankings.

2. The 16 League B teams are ranked 17th to 32th according to their individual league rankings.

3. The 16 League C teams are ranked 33th to 48th according to their individual league rankings.

4. The League D teams are ranked 49th to 55th according to their individual league rankings.

19.03 Associations are promoted and relegated between the four leagues for the next edition of the competition as follows:

1. The four group winners in each of Leagues B and C and the two group winners in League D are promoted to the next league up.

2. The four fourth-placed teams in each of Leagues A and B are relegated to the next league down.

3. The two teams from League C ranked 47th and 48th in the interim overall 2026/27 UEFA Nations League rankings on completion of the league phase are relegated to League D.

4. The four winners of the League A/B play-off ties play in League A and the four defeated teams play in League B.

5. The four winners of the League B/C play-off ties play in League B and the four defeated teams play in League C.

6. If contested, the two winners of the League C/D play-off ties play in League C and the two defeated teams play in League D.

19.04 The final overall 2026/27 UEFA Nations League rankings are established based on the results of the League A knockout stage and the play-offs. Teams within each of the groups listed below are ranked based on their position in the interim overall 2026/27 UEFA Nations League rankings (see Annex C).

1. The four winners of the quarter-finals are ranked 1st to 4th, until the finals have been completed (see Paragraph 19.05).

2. The four defeated teams of the quarter-finals are ranked 5th to 8th.

3. The four teams directly promoted from League B to League A and the four winners of the League A/B play-offs are ranked 9th to 16th.

4. The four teams directly relegated from League A to League B and the four defeated teams of the League A/B play-offs are ranked 17th to 24th.

5. The four teams directly promoted from League C to League B and the four winners of the League B/C play-offs are ranked 25th to 32nd.

6. The four teams directly relegated from League B to League C and the four defeated teams of the League B/C play-offs are ranked 33rd to 40th.

7. The four teams in ranks 41 to 44 remain ranked 41st to 44th.

8. The two teams directly promoted from League D to League C and the two winners of the League C/D play-offs are ranked 45th to 48th.

9. The two teams directly relegated from League C to League D and the two defeated teams of the League C/D play-offs are ranked 49th to 52nd.

10. The teams in ranks 53, 54 and 55 remain ranked 53rd, 54th and 55th.

19.05 The results of the final and the third-place match are reflected in the final overall 2026/27 UEFA Nations League rankings as follows:

1. The winner is ranked 1st.

2. The runner-up is ranked 2nd.

3. The third-placed team is ranked 3rd.

4. The fourth-placed team is ranked 4th.

III - Match Scheduling

Article 20 Match dates and fixtures

20.01 Matches must be played on the dates indicated in the 2026–28 National Team Match Calendar (see Annex A). Changes to these dates are not allowed without the prior agreement of the UEFA administration.

20.02 After each draw (league phase, League A knockout stage and play-offs), the UEFA administration compiles the corresponding fixture list, including the match dates and kick-off times according to the following general principles:

1. Matches are played on the following days:

   	Wed*	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun	Mon	Tue
   League phase
   Quarter-finals and Play-offs
   Finals
   * Matches may be scheduled on Wednesday, 30 September as part of the international match window in September-October 2026

2. At least two rest days are provided between each team's matches (i.e. a team that plays on Thursday cannot play again until Sunday at the earliest).

3. League phase: as much consideration as possible is given to ensuring a fair distribution of weekday and weekend matches and a regular sequence of home and away matches for each team.

4. League phase: teams in the same group play on the same day.

5. Additional conditions may be applied, subject to approval by the UEFA Executive Committee.

20.03 Deviations from these general principles are possible and decided by the UEFA administration.

Article 21 Friendly matches

21.01 Friendly matches organised within the framework of the centralisation of commercial rights are also played on the dates indicated in the 2026–28 National Team Match Calendar (see Annex A).

21.02 Friendly matches may have to be cancelled or postponed for the purpose of rescheduling abandoned or cancelled competition matches.

Article 22 Stadium announcements and kick-off times

22.01 Host associations must ensure that all contractual agreements related to a stadium have been duly concluded prior to its announcement for a match in the UEFA online system, which must occur at least 120 days before the match in question and is subject to approval by the UEFA administration.

22.02 Before announcing a stadium, the host association must take into account the length of the journey to be undertaken by the visiting team. In principle, the stadium must be no more than a 90-minute bus drive from the nearest international airport with daily flights from/to other European cities.

22.03 Any objection by a visiting association regarding an announced stadium must be communicated to the UEFA administration, with the host association in copy, within three working days of the stadium being announced by the host association. The UEFA administration will then take a final decision, either confirming the stadium or requesting that the host association propose another one in accordance with these regulations.

22.04 The following kick-off times apply:

Wednesday*		---	20:45 CET
Thursday		---	20:45 CET
Friday		---	20:45 CET
Saturday	15:00 CET	18:00 CET	20:45 CET
Sunday	15:00 CET	18:00 CET	20:45 CET
Monday		---	20:45 CET
Tuesday		---	20:45 CET
* Matches may be scheduled on Wednesday 30 September as part of the international match window in September-October 2026.

Different kick-off times may apply for matches in the finals.

22.05 In principle, matches within the same group kick off simultaneously on the last matchday.

22.06 If necessary, the UEFA administration may change the above kick-off times.

Article 23 Changes to the match stadium or schedule

23.01 If any party to a match has any reason to doubt whether that particular match can take place as scheduled (including but not limited to pitch, facility and infrastructure, safety and security, operational and/or organisational issues and/or weather conditions), they must notify the UEFA administration immediately. If the UEFA administration receives any such notification, or has any reason itself to believe that a match may not be able to be played as scheduled, it decides if any change will be made to the venue, stadium, date and/or kick-off time. Such a decision by the UEFA administration is final. If the stadium is changed, the costs of staging the match(es) concerned are borne by the host association.

23.02 The referee decides if a match which has started must be suspended. This decision is made after consultation with the UEFA match delegate and, when possible, the UEFA administration.

23.03 For exceptional circumstances and cases of extreme urgency that may have a significant impact on the running of the competition, and to ensure that a rescheduled match can be completed (see Article 24), if necessary without spectators, the host association must have access to a backup stadium, for approval by the UEFA administration. For emergency backup stadiums, exceptions can be made to all regular stadium requirements.

23.04 In all cases, decisions taken on the basis of this article are without prejudice to any possible disciplinary measures.

Article 24 Rescheduling of matches

24.01 If it is decided on the day of a match that the match cannot start or cannot be played in full, the full or remaining match time is, as a rule, played the next day. For that purpose, the host associations must conclude all the necessary agreements to ensure that the required facilities are available and can be operated.

24.02 If the match cannot be rescheduled for the next day, the UEFA administration fixes a new date, during or as close as possible to the international match calendar window concerned. The rescheduling may entail exceptions to the regular match scheduling pattern.

24.03 As a rule, a rescheduled match is played at the same stadium. If the circumstances require a change of stadium, the UEFA administration must approve the alternative stadium (see Paragraph 23.03).

24.04 In all cases, the UEFA administration must approve the stadium and fix the new kick-off time taking account of the teams’ needs wherever possible.

24.05 If an association is responsible for any change to the match stadium or match schedule for all or part of a match, that association bears its own expenses, as well as any additional travel, board and lodging expenses incurred by the other association, the referee team and the match officers, without prejudice to any possible disciplinary measures.

24.06 If the match stadium or match schedule is changed through no fault of either association, each party bears its own expenses related to the original fixture and the rescheduled match or remaining match time.

24.07 In all cases, decisions taken on the basis of this article are without prejudice to any possible disciplinary measures.

Article 25 Completion of suspended matches

25.01 If the referee decides to suspend a match and it is decided that the match shall be resumed another day, the following conditions apply to the restart of the match:

1. If the match is resumed the following day, the match sheet from the time of suspension remains valid. The match restarts with the same players on the field and the same designated substitutes as at the moment the match was suspended. If a player is unable to restart the match, one of the previously designated substitutes may take their place. This is considered a substitution. If the team has used all of its substitutions by this point, no change can be made. A designated substitute who is unable to take their place on the bench cannot be replaced.

2. If the match is resumed at a later date, the match sheet may contain the same players who were on the match sheet when the match was suspended, with the exception of players suspended for, substituted during or sent off during the suspended match. Players who were in play at the time the match was suspended may not be selected on the match sheet as substitutes when the match is resumed.

25.02 Whether the match is resumed the following day or at a later stage, the following principles apply:

1. Any sanctions imposed before the match was suspended remain valid for the remainder of the match.

2. Single yellow cards received before the match was suspended are not carried forward to any other matches before the suspended match has been completed.

3. Players and/or team officials sent off before the match was suspended cannot be replaced; the number of players and/or team officials allowed when the match is resumed must reflect any such dismissals.

4. Players and team officials who were suspended during or in relation to another match played after the match in question was suspended can be included on the match sheet for the remainder of the match.

5. The teams can make only the number of substitutions to which they were still entitled when the match was suspended, using their remaining stoppages in play.

6. The match must restart where it was suspended (i.e. free-kick, throw-in, goal kick, corner kick, penalty, etc.). If the match was stopped with the ball in play, it is restarted with a dropped ball on the spot where it was suspended.

Article 26 Refusal to play and similar cases

26.01 If an association refuses to play or is responsible for a match (including any penalty shoot-out) not taking place or not being played in full, the UEFA disciplinary bodies declare the match forfeited by the association concerned. Moreover, if the circumstances of the case so justify, the UEFA disciplinary bodies may impose any further disciplinary measures deemed appropriate on the association concerned, including disqualification from the competition.

26.02 The UEFA disciplinary bodies can validate the result as it stood (i.e. abandon the match) at the moment when a match was suspended if the match result was to the detriment of the association responsible for the match being suspended.

26.03 If an association is disqualified during the competition, the results of all of its matches are declared null and void, and the points awarded forfeited.

26.04 If an association that has qualified for the finals does not compete, the UEFA administration may replace it and, if so, decide which association takes its place according to the results achieved by the associations eliminated previously.

26.05 An association that refuses to play or is responsible for a match not taking place or not being played in full may lose all rights to payments from UEFA, depending on the gravity of the circumstances.

26.06 Upon receipt of a reasoned and well-documented request from the aggrieved association(s), the UEFA administration may set an amount of compensation due for financial loss.

IV - Player Registration

Article 27 Player eligibility

27.01 Each association must select players for its national representative team who hold the nationality of its country and who comply with the provisions of Articles 6 to 10 of the Regulations Governing the Application of the FIFA Statutes.

27.02 Each player taking part in the competition must be in possession of a valid passport or identity card of the country for which they are playing, containing a photograph and the player's full date of birth (day, month, year). The referee or the UEFA match delegate may ask to see the passports/identity cards of the players listed on the match sheet.

27.03 All players must undergo a medical examination to the extent provided for in the UEFA Medical Regulations.

27.04 The UEFA administration decides on questions of player eligibility. Challenged decisions are dealt with by the UEFA disciplinary bodies.

Article 28 Player lists

28.01 Each association must provide the UEFA administration with a list of 23 players for each match in the league phase and a list of 26 players for the finals. Three of the players on each list must be goalkeepers. All lists must include each player’s surname(s), first name(s), club and date of birth, as well as the surnames, first names, dates of birth and coaching qualifications of the head coach and assistant coach. In addition, these lists must include confirmation from one of the team doctors that all players have undergone the requested medical examination; the team doctor is solely responsible for ensuring that the requested players’ medical examination has been duly performed.

28.02 For the league phase and for play-off and quarter-final matches, the list of 23 players must be completed online by 23:59 CET the day before the match. A signed copy of this list must be uploaded in the system, and a hard copy handed to the UEFA match delegate at the organisational meeting.

28.03 For the finals, the list of 26 players must be completed online by 23:59 CET seven days before the first semi-final. A signed copy of this list must also be sent to the UEFA administration by the same deadline.

28.04 Subject to UEFA's approval, players named on the list of 26 who become seriously injured or ill, to the extent that they cannot take part in a match, may be replaced as follows:

1. Goalkeepers may be replaced before any match in the finals.

2. Outfield players may be replaced before their team's first match in the finals only. A replaced outfield player can take no further part in the finals.

The association concerned must submit the medical replacement form confirming the severity of the injury or illness, along with any necessary medical evidence, to the UEFA administration by 23:59 CET the day before the match in question, or by three hours before kick-off if the injury or onset of illness occurs on the day of the match.

28.05 All official player lists are published by the UEFA administration.

28.06 The associations are responsible for ensuring that the aforementioned provisions concerning player eligibility and player lists are observed.

V - Stadium Infrastructure

Article 29 Stadiums

29.01 Unless stipulated otherwise in these regulations, all matches in the competition must be played in stadiums that meet the stadium requirements defined in the 2022-28 Commercial Regulations governing the European Qualifiers, UEFA Nations League and friendly matches as well as the structural criteria defined in the UEFA Stadium Infrastructure Regulations for the following stadium categories:

1. Category 4 for the finals;

2. Category 4 for the league phase, quarter-finals and play-offs or, exceptionally, category 3 if no category 4 stadium is available.

29.02 UEFA representatives may conduct a site visit of each stadium.

Article 30 Pitches

30.01 The host association must make every reasonable effort to ensure that the pitch is in the best possible condition for play. If the climatic conditions so require, facilities such as pitch heating and a pitch cover must be provided, to ensure that the field of play is in a suitable condition on every match date. The UEFA administration or a third party mandated by UEFA may carry out pitch inspections at any time before and during the competition to check whether the pitch is in a suitable condition to host matches in the competition. Following any initial pitch inspection and recommendation report, the cost of any further inspections or the provision of expert guidance or material by a third party shall be assumed by the association concerned. Associations are requested to cooperate fully with such inspections.

30.02 The associations must respect the relevant pitch protection maps for training sessions on the day before the match (if applicable), the pre-match warm-ups and any post-match cool-downs.

30.03 Any full or partial replacement of a pitch ahead of a match must be communicated to UEFA in advance. UEFA reserves the right to inspect the pitch.

30.04 The host association must respect the pitch-cutting guidelines for natural grass pitches. The height of the grass must not exceed 30mm and the entire playing surface must be cut to the same height. The height of the grass should be the same for both the training sessions and the match. If deemed necessary by the referee or the UEFA match delegate, the host association may be required to reduce the height of the grass for the match and training sessions.

30.05 Any pitch watering as of 90 minutes before kick-off must be done evenly across the whole pitch and for a maximum of 7 minutes at a time during the following periods:

1. before the pre-match warm-up period; and/or

2. between warm-up and kick-off; and/or

3. during half-time.

The host association (or UEFA in the finals) must communicate its plans at the organisational meeting, and any change to the announced schedule must be agreed to later on by both associations and UEFA. The referee can make changes to the pitch-watering schedule at any time.

30.06 Associations are not allowed any commercial, promotional or fan entertainment activities on the field of play during the pre-match warm-up or from the moment the teams are ready to kick off until after the final whistle (except at half-time, subject to the approval of the UEFA administration).

30.07 All field markings and goals must be in accordance with the IFAB Laws of the Game and the UEFA Stadium Infrastructure Regulations. No additional structural elements or physical supports may be used inside the net or in its immediate surroundings other than bars fixing the goal net to the ground and goal net stanchions behind and outside the net. Portable goals must not be used.

30.08 The host association is responsible for ensuring that the area immediately adjacent to the field of play is safe for players, team officials and the referee team in accordance with the UEFA Stadium Infrastructure Regulations. This includes, but is not limited to, temporarily installing additional, high-quality, green artificial turf around the field of play if necessary.

Article 31 Artificial turf

31.01 With the exception of the finals, which must be played on natural turf, matches in the competition may be played on artificial turf in accordance with the UEFA Stadium Infrastructure Regulations and provided that such artificial turf is certified as FIFA Quality Pro. At the time the stadium is announced to the UEFA administration, the host association must submit a copy of such certificate, which must still be valid on the date of the match in question.

31.02 The host association is fully responsible for meeting the above requirements and, if necessary, must conclude appropriate agreements with the owner of the artificial turf, in particular those relating to:

1. maintenance work and ongoing improvement measures; and

2. safety and environmental measures as set out in the FIFA Quality Programme for Football Turf – Test Manual I: Test Methods and the FIFA Quality Programme for Football Turf – Test Manual II: Test Requirements.

31.03 The host association must obtain sufficient warranties and/or guarantees relating to the material and the installation of the artificial turf by the owner, manufacturer and installer.

31.04 UEFA cannot be held responsible for any damages to third parties resulting from the use of the artificial turf.

Article 32 Floodlights

32.01 All matches must be played under floodlights. The illuminance must correspond to the requirements set out in the UEFA Stadium Infrastructure Regulations for the relevant stadium category in accordance with Paragraph 29.01 of these regulations.

32.02 Associations must ensure that the stadium floodlight system is regularly maintained to meet the minimum illuminance values. UEFA may conduct an independent assessment of stadium lighting levels and will notify the associations in good time of the results of such assessments and of any corrections to be made.

32.03 Full floodlighting must be provided for training sessions the day before the match and from two hours before kick-off, unless it is required earlier for operational purposes (e.g. calibration of GLT). Furthermore, the use of LED floodlight entertainment (light show) may be permitted according to the principles determined in the UEFA Stadium Entertainment Lighting Guide. Any such use may only take place either before the warm-up, between the warm-up and the players leaving the tunnel for the match, or after the match. Exceptions may be agreed with UEFA in specific circumstances (e.g. during a moment of silence).

Article 33 Football technologies

33.01 Certain football technologies may be used, if decided by UEFA, in accordance with the IFAB Laws of the Game and the relevant FIFA Quality Programmes.

33.02 Each association authorises UEFA and UEFA’s suppliers to install the football technologies approved by UEFA for the competition in its stadium. The association and the stadium owner/operator must cooperate with UEFA and its suppliers and provide them with reasonable access to the stadium and stadium facilities at all times for this purpose (including for all purposes relating to the FIFA Quality Programme certifications). The association must not use or move, and must ensure that no third party other than UEFA or its suppliers uses or moves, any of the equipment or cabling installed at its stadium in connection with the approved football technologies.

33.03 Host associations may use pre-installed and certified GLT systems in the league phase, quarter-finals and play-offs, subject to the visiting team’s consent and UEFA’s approval. The host association remains fully responsible for the operation of the system and bears all the associated costs.

VI - Equipment

Article 34 Applicable regulations

34.01 The UEFA Equipment Regulations apply to all matches in the competition, unless specified otherwise in these regulations.

Article 35 Playing attire approval

35.01 All teams must submit the playing attire approval form online to the UEFA administration at least four weeks before they intend to use the attire in question.

35.02 All equipment items worn or used during the finals must be free of any sponsor advertising. This provision applies:

1. to any event held at a stadium, from arrival at the stadium until departure from the stadium;

2. to any training session designated as official by the UEFA administration; and

3. at any official UEFA press conference.

Article 36 Colours

36.01 For all competition matches, teams must submit the agreed playing attire colours to be worn for each match via the dedicated online tool. The home team (finals : Team A) has the first choice as to which of its official sets of playing attire registered online it wears for the match in question. The proposed colours are validated in advance by the UEFA administration.

36.02 If the referee notices on the spot that the colours of the two teams could lead to confusion, a final decision on the colours is taken in consultation with the UEFA match delegate and the UEFA administration. As a rule, in such cases it is the home team (finals: Team A) that has to change colours.

Article 37 Numbers and names

37.01 Players must be allocated numbers between 1 and 23 for league phase matches, quarter-finals and play-offs, and numbers between 1 and 26 for matches in the finals. If the number 1 is used, it must be worn by a goalkeeper.

37.02 Players cannot change numbers during the finals (except for cases described in Paragraph 28.04). These numbers must be displayed at chest height on the front of the shirts and the players’ names must be added above the numbers on the back.

Article 38 Badges

38.01 The competition badge must be worn on the free zone of the right shirt sleeve by all teams except the reigning titleholder, which must wear the titleholder badge in its place.

38.02 The applicable UEFA campaign badge must be worn on the free zone of the left shirt sleeve.

38.03 None of the badges may be used in any other competition, or for any other purpose, including commercial or promotional activities, without UEFA’s prior approval.

Article 39 Other team equipment

39.01 UEFA provides the participating associations with special equipment for all matches and issues guidelines for its use.

39.02 The special equipment provided to each participating association must be used for the finals, to the exclusion of any similar items.

39.03 For the finals, only warm-up bibs provided by UEFA may be used during official training sessions, for the pre-match warm-ups held at the stadium and for the warm-up of substitute players during the match.

VII - Ticketing

Article 40 Visiting team tickets

40.01 Host associations must make at least 5% of the UEFA spectator capacity available to visiting supporters in line with the UEFA Stadium Infrastructure Regulations and the UEFA Safety and Security Regulations.

40.02 Visiting associations are entitled to purchase up to 200 top-category tickets (unless otherwise agreed between the two associations in question).

40.03 For all matches in the league phase, the quarter-finals and the play-offs, an adequate number of complimentary and retail tickets, to be fixed by mutual agreement, must be set aside for the visiting association.

40.04 Visiting associations must, where relevant, sell their tickets by zone in order to facilitate the reallocation of unsold tickets. Visiting associations which have requested an allocation of tickets for the whole or part of the dedicated area that has been made available to them may return any unused tickets to the host association without payment up to seven days prior to the match, unless otherwise agreed by the two associations in writing. After this deadline the visiting association must pay for the whole allocation, irrespective of whether all the tickets have been sold.

40.05 The host association may reallocate tickets returned or not requested by the visiting association provided that all safety and security measures (as mentioned in the UEFA Safety and Security Regulations) are respected and that such tickets are not reallocated to supporters of the visiting association.

Article 41 Tickets with hospitality service

41.01 The ticket requirements for UEFA and its partners are set out in the 2022-28 Commercial Regulations governing the European Qualifiers, UEFA Nations League and friendly matches.

41.02 The official UEFA representatives and at least 20 representatives of the visiting association must be provided with complimentary VIP seats and associated hospitality in the VIP sector.

Article 42 Ticketing – finals

42.01 UEFA governs all aspects of the allocation, sale and distribution of tickets to matches in the finals (whether alone or as part of a package), including but not limited to quotas, production, prices, methods of distribution and sales conditions and channels. The host associations' duties with respect to ticketing matters are defined in the staging agreement with UEFA.

42.02 Any ticketing or hospitality-related agreements and/or terms and conditions which are issued by UEFA must be complied with by the participating associations. Participating associations must provide to UEFA the support necessary to ensure compliance with any such agreements and/or terms and conditions in case breaches or infringements occur within a participating association’s territory and/or involve a participating association’s fans or partners.

42.03 Each association participating in the finals is entitled to complimentary and retail tickets for its matches. UEFA will determine the quantity of tickets allocated to each participating association.

42.04 Retail tickets are not paid for by the participating associations in advance of the finals but deducted from the association’s current account with UEFA.

VIII - Match Organisation

Article 43 Team arrivals

43.01 For the league phase, quarter-finals and play-offs, visiting associations must arrange the travel and accommodation for their teams such that:

1. they arrive in the country where their match is to be played in time to fulfil their media obligations the day before the match;

2. they stay on-site, within a reasonable distance of the stadium.

43.02 During the finals, the teams must arrive at their assigned team hotel or be within a reasonable distance of the match stadium in time to fulfil their media obligations the day before the match.

Article 44 Training sessions

44.01 The day before a match in the league phase, the quarter-finals and the play-offs, pitch conditions permitting, both teams are allowed to train for a maximum of one hour on the pitch on which the match is to take place. If holding such training sessions could render the pitch unfit for play the next day, an alternative training ground, with the same surface type and size as the match stadium, must be made available. Alternative training grounds must be approved by the UEFA administration in advance. Priority is given to the visiting team, so the first training session to be moved is the one of the host team. Alternatively, both training sessions may be allowed at the stadium but limited to certain areas of the pitch, provided that the restrictions on the use of the pitch are communicated in writing to each team. Pitch watering ahead of a visiting team’s official training session at the stadium must be agreed between the two associations in the league phase, quarter-finals and play-offs. In principle, the stadium’s retractable roof should be in the same position for training sessions as anticipated for the match, subject to the prevailing weather conditions.

44.02 During the league phase, quarter-finals and play-offs, visiting teams may hold private training sessions at a location agreed with the host association, not at the match stadium.

44.03 The day before each match in the finals, pitch conditions permitting, both teams are allowed to familiarise themselves with the pitch on which the match will take place for a maximum of 45 minutes, according to a stadium training session timetable drawn up by UEFA. If holding training sessions at the match stadium could render the pitch unfit for play the next day, an alternative training ground will be made available. Alternatively, training sessions may be allowed at the stadium but limited to certain areas of the pitch. In all cases, if both teams wish to use the same time slot, priority is given to Team B.

44.04 The day before the match, pitch conditions permitting, the referee team may train at the match stadium. If such a training session is not possible as a result of pitch conditions or travel times, an alternative facility should be made available.

44.05 If an association participating in the finals holds a public training session, it must comply with the instructions and guidelines issued by the UEFA administration. Participating associations may not exploit any commercial rights in relation to such public training sessions.

44.06 If the visiting team and/or referees do not train at the stadium the day before a match for whatever reason (e.g. pitch conditions), they must be permitted to visit the stadium the day before the match.

44.07 If the visiting team wants a cool-down after the match, the request must be made at the organisational meeting. Such requests should include all relevant information (e.g. duration, number of players, type of exercises) and are subject to the approval of the host association (or UEFA for the finals) and, in some cases, the relevant competent authorities.

Article 45 Team hotels and training centres – finals

45.01 For the finals, UEFA presents each association with a number of pre-selected team hotels with training centres. Should an association choose another training centre, it must ensure full compliance with these regulations and cover all the related costs.

45.02 All training centres used during the finals are considered official. The UEFA administration will issue specific policies regarding the use of team hotels and training centres.

Article 46 Match equipment

46.01 Balls must comply with the IFAB Laws of the Game as well as with the UEFA Equipment Regulations.

46.02 For the league phase matches, quarter-finals and play-offs, the host association must provide the visiting team with match balls of excellent quality for its training session on the day before the match as well as for warming up before the match. These match balls must be the same as those used for the match.

46.03 For matches and official training sessions during the finals, balls are supplied exclusively by UEFA.

46.04 A multi-ball system must be used at all matches in accordance with the protocol and guidance issued by the UEFA administration.

46.05 The use of two-sided substitution boards (preferably electronic) is compulsory for all matches. For each match in the league phase, quarter-finals and play-offs, the host association must ensure a minimum of two boards.

Article 47 Use of roofs and clocks

47.01 Before the match, the UEFA match delegate, in consultation with the referee, decides whether a stadium’s retractable roof will be open or closed during the match. This decision must be announced at the organisational meeting, although it may subsequently be altered at any time prior to kick-off if the weather changes, again in consultation with the referee and the UEFA match delegate.

47.02 If the match starts with the roof closed, it must remain closed until half-time or for the entire match. If the match starts with the roof open, only the referee has the authority to order its closure during the match, subject to any applicable laws issued by the relevant competent authorities. Such a decision may only be taken if the weather seriously deteriorates. If the referee does order the roof to be closed during the match, it must remain closed until half-time or for the entire match.

47.03 Stadium clocks may be used to show the amount of time played or remaining. Additional time in each half should be displayed as additional minutes, not continuously running time (i.e. 45 + x, 90 + y). The same applies in case of extra time (105 + x, 120 + y).

Article 48 Screens and footage of matches

48.01 Simultaneous transmissions, replays and delayed footage of the match being played in the stadium may be transmitted on the stadium's giant screen provided that the host association has obtained all the necessary third-party permission to transmit such footage, including permission from the UEFA match delegate, the host broadcaster producing the live international feed of the match and any relevant competent authorities. However, the host association must ensure that replays and delayed footage are shown on the giant screen during the match only when the ball is out of play, during the half-time interval, during the break before any extra time, during the half-time interval during any extra time and/or before the start of any penalty shoot-out. Moreover, the host association must ensure that any footage shown on the giant screen under no circumstances includes any images that:

1. may have an impact on the playing of the match;

2. may be reasonably considered as controversial insofar as they are likely to encourage or incite any form of crowd disorder;

3. may display any public disorder, civil disobedience or any commercial and/or offensive material within the crowd or on the pitch;

4. consist of any action or any behaviour that is against the principles of fair play, including any images that are aimed at highlighting, directly or indirectly, any offside offence, foul or potential mistake of a referee;

5. are accompanied by sound.

Simultaneous transmissions and replays of the match are authorised for press monitors and closed-circuit channels. The results of other matches can be shown on the scoreboard and/or giant screen during the match. VAR footage and GLT replays may not be shown on existing screens in the stadium, unless UEFA decides otherwise.

48.02 Simultaneous or delayed transmissions on public screens outside the stadium in which a match is played (e.g. in a stadium of the visiting association or in a public place anywhere) are subject to the terms of Chapter XIII and any guidelines or instructions issued by UEFA.

Article 49 Stadium audiovisual systems

49.01 To ensure optimal playing conditions, all audiovisual systems operated within the stadium bowl during the match, in particular the floodlights, public address system, giant screens and LED display systems must be configured and operated in a manner that causes no distraction or discomfort for the players or match officials on the field of play. UEFA may issue specific instructions and operational guidelines.

Article 50 Match protocol

50.01 The UEFA, FIFA, UEFA competition and UEFA Respect flags, the country flags of the two participating teams, and any other flag determined by UEFA must be flown horizontally at the stadium at all matches in the competition.

50.02 The countdown to kick-off must comply with the principles set by UEFA. For each match in the league phase, quarter-finals and play-offs, the specific countdown must be communicated by the host association at the organisational meeting.

50.03 The walk-on music provided by UEFA must be played from when the players emerge from the tunnel until they have lined up, at which point the national anthems of both teams must be played (instrumental versions of no more than 90 seconds each). UEFA's pre-match protocol defines which flags and other items are carried onto the pitch and how these are displayed as part of the line-up ceremony.

50.04 At all matches in the competition, the players are invited to shake hands with their opponents and the referee team after the line-up ceremony as well as after the final whistle, as a gesture of fair play.

IX - Teams and Competition Area

Article 51 Teams at the stadium

51.01 Both teams must be at the stadium at least 75 minutes before kick-off. In principle, team arrivals must be staggered to ensure a five-minute interval between the two, with the visiting team (finals: Team B) having the first choice of arrival time, subject to any other decision taken by UEFA and/or the relevant competent authorities. Teams must respect the hotel departure times agreed at the organisational meeting.

Article 52 Match sheet

52.01 Before each match, each team must confirm, using the match sheet, their 23 (finals: 26) players and up to 11 team officials, one of whom must be a team doctor. The match sheet must indicate the number and, if applicable, the shirt name that each player will wear during the match.

52.02 The players indicated on the match sheet as forming the starting 11 commence the match. A goalkeeper and a team captain must be identified among these players.

52.03 If there are fewer than seven players on either team, the match is cancelled or suspended.

52.04 Each team must have its match sheet submitted by its competent association official at least 75 minutes before kick-off. The match sheets are automatically exchanged no earlier than 75 minutes before kick-off.

Article 53 Player replacements and substitutions

53.01 After the match sheets have been exchanged, no changes are allowed. Before the match has kicked off, the following exceptions are possible:

1. Any of the players indicated on the match sheet as forming the starting 11 who cannot start the match due to physical incapacity may be replaced by one of the substitutes indicated on the match sheet. The replaced player is taken off the match sheet and the number of substitutes is reduced accordingly for the match in question. During the match, five players may still be substituted.

2. Substitutes indicated on the match sheet who cannot be fielded due to physical incapacity may not be replaced, which means that the number of substitutes is reduced accordingly for the match in question.

3. Any of the goalkeepers selected on the match sheet who cannot be fielded due to physical incapacity may be replaced by goalkeepers not previously selected on the match sheet, nor registered in accordance with Article 28 (in which case the player list in question is automatically amended).

The association concerned must submit to the UEFA match delegate a printed copy of the match sheet indicating the change and signed by the team doctor. If it fails to do so, any change made to the starting 11 indicated on the match sheet after the match sheets have been exchanged is considered a substitution, and the number of substitutions available to the team during the match is reduced accordingly. In addition, the association concerned must submit the medical replacement form to the UEFA administration within 48 hours of the end of the match, along with any necessary medical evidence. If it fails to do so or if UEFA finds any of the information provided by the association concerned to be inaccurate, the matter may be referred to the UEFA disciplinary bodies. A replaced player who is taken off the match sheet may take no further part in the match nor sit on the team bench or any additional seats reserved for team officials selected on the match sheet.

53.02 Up to five of the substitutes listed on each team's match sheet may take part in the match. Additionally, a sixth substitute listed on the match sheet may take part exclusively during extra time. A player who has been substituted may take no further part in the match. Each team may use a maximum of three stoppages in play to make substitutions (one additional stoppage in extra time can be used). Substitutions made before the start of the match, during half-time, between the end of normal playing time and extra time, and at half-time during extra time do not reduce the number of stoppages in play that can be used.

53.03 Any player selected on the match sheet in line with Article 52 or replaced in line with Article 53 may be selected to undergo a doping control after the match in accordance with Annex B of the UEFA Anti-Doping Regulations and must remain available in the stadium for 30 minutes after the end of the match. If a doping control officer is present at the match and a player selected on the match sheet is injured or falls ill and requires treatment in hospital, the doping control officer assesses the severity of the injury or illness and decides whether the player can leave the stadium to go to hospital immediately or whether they must undergo any potential doping control first.

Article 54 Competition area

54.01 The 11 team officials and 12 (finals: 15) substitute players indicated on the match sheet, i.e. a total of 23 (finals: 26) people, are allowed to sit on the team bench. If the team bench provides fewer than the required number of seats, the remaining seats must be accommodated to the side of each team bench (or behind if the team benches are in the stands), with access to the dressing rooms. They must be segregated from the general public and, ideally, covered. The set-up must be the same for both teams. All the substitutes and the team doctor indicated on the match sheet must be seated on the team bench during the match.

54.02 During the match, substitutes are allowed to leave the technical area to warm up in the predefined area confirmed by the referee. Five substitutes per team are allowed to warm up at the same time; however, if space does not permit, the referee may decide to limit the number of substitutes allowed to warm up simultaneously to three per team. The team fitness coach indicated on the match sheet may join the players warming up and is responsible for ensuring that the referee’s instructions are respected.

54.03 Smoking is not allowed in the competition area. This includes the use of electronic cigarettes.

54.04 The use of any electronic communication equipment and/or systems is regulated by the IFAB Laws of the Game and the relevant instructions issued. Under no circumstances may any such systems be used by teams in connection with any kind of refereeing decision or matter.

X - Refereeing

Article 55 Referee team and referee liaison officer

55.01 The General Terms and Conditions for Referees officiating at UEFA Matches apply to the referee teams appointed for the competition.

55.02 The referee team is composed of the referee, two assistant referees, the fourth official, two or more VARs (if appointed) and a reserve assistant referee (if appointed).

55.03 The referee team is taken care of by a referee liaison officer, who is an official representative of the host association.

55.04 Directly after the match, the referee validates the official match report.

Article 56 Appointment and replacement of referees

56.01 The Referees Committee appoints the referee team for each match. Only referees from the official FIFA list of referees are eligible. The decision of the Referees Committee is final.

56.02 UEFA arranges for the referee team to arrive in the country of the stadium the day before the match. If a member of the referee team does not arrive by the evening before the match, the UEFA administration and the teams must be informed immediately. The Referees Committee takes the appropriate decisions, which are final.

56.03 Any referee, assistant referee or VAR who becomes unfit to officiate, or is otherwise incapacitated before or during a match, is replaced by another member of the referee team as follows, in accordance with the IFAB Laws of the Game:

1. The referee is replaced by the fourth official or by the VAR if one has been appointed and is available on-site, or by an assistant referee.

2. An assistant referee is replaced by the fourth official or by the reserve assistant referee if one has been appointed.

3. A VAR is replaced by the assistant VAR (if certified as a VAR) or by the referee if the latter is unfit to referee but able and certified to serve as a VAR.

If necessary, the match will take place without VARs and/or without a fourth official.

Article 57 Procedure in case of severe injury to players

57.01 In the event of a suspected concussion, the referee stops the game to allow the injured player to be assessed by the team doctor, in accordance with Law 5 of the IFAB Laws of the Game. In principle, this should take no more than three minutes, unless a serious incident requires the player to be treated on the field of play or immobilised on the field for immediate transfer to hospital (e.g. spinal injury).

57.02 Any player suffering a head injury that requires assessment for potential concussion will only be allowed to continue playing after such an assessment, upon specific confirmation by the team doctor to the referee of the player's fitness to do so.

Article 58 Video assistant referees and goal-line technology

58.01 VAR and GLT systems may be used in accordance with the IFAB Laws of the Game for the purpose of assisting the referee.

58.02 No sources or systems other than the official VAR system may be used by the referee to review replays during the match.

58.03 The VAR system may be used in all matches of the competition. The decision as to whether the VAR system is used for all or part of a specific match is at the sole discretion of the referee, and that decision is final. The non-use of the VAR system for all or part of a match, whether due to the referee's decision or technical failure or unavailability, in no way prejudices the validity of the referee's decisions, which are final in all cases.

58.04 GLT is used in all matches of the finals to help the referee determine whether a goal has been scored. The referee's decision is final in all cases.

58.05 In the event of technical failure, matches may take place or continue without the use of GLT. The non-use of GLT for all or part of a match, whether due to the referee's decision or technical failure or unavailability, in no way prejudices the validity of the referee's decisions, which are final in all cases.

XI - Disciplinary Law and Procedures

Article 59 UEFA Disciplinary Regulations

59.01 The provisions of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations apply to all disciplinary offences committed by associations, officials, members or other individuals exercising a function at a match on behalf of an association, unless the present regulations stipulate otherwise.

Article 60 Yellow and red cards

60.01 As a rule, a player or team official sent off by the referee is automatically suspended for the next match in the competition. In the event of a serious offence, the UEFA disciplinary bodies are entitled to augment this punishment, including by extending it to other competitions.

60.02 During the league phase, players and team officials are suspended for the next competition match after two yellow cards and any subsequent even-numbered yellow card (e.g. fourth, sixth).

60.03 Yellow cards that have not resulted in a suspension and pending yellow-card suspensions expire on completion of the quarter-finals.

60.04 All yellow cards and pending yellow-card suspensions expire at the end of a team's involvement in the competition.

Article 61 Protests and appeals

61.01 Protests and appeals against decisions by the UEFA disciplinary bodies must be lodged and any applicable fee paid in accordance with the relevant provisions of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations, with the exception of the following deadlines being applicable to the finals:

1. A protest and the proof of payment of the protest fee must reach the UEFA disciplinary office within 12 hours of the end of the match in question.

2. A declaration of the intention to appeal against a decision by the UEFA disciplinary bodies must be lodged within 24 hours of notification of the relevant decision with grounds.

XII - Financial Provisions

Article 62 Financial rules – whole competition

62.01 The amounts paid by UEFA are gross amounts. As such they cover any and all taxes, levies and charges.

62.02 The UEFA administration resolves any disputes concerning the settlement of accounts by the participating associations. Such decisions are final.

Article 63 Financial rules – league phase, quarter-finals and play-offs

63.01 Subject to the financial provisions of the 2022-28 Commercial Regulations governing the European Qualifiers, UEFA Nations League and friendly matches, each host association retains its match-related earnings and bears all the costs of organising a league phase, play-off or quarter-final match (including any taxes, levies and charges).

63.02 For league phase matches, quarter-finals and play-offs the host association pays for the board and lodging of the referee team, as well as for their transport within its territory. UEFA pays the referee team’s international travel expenses and daily allowances.

63.03 Unless agreed otherwise by the associations concerned or stipulated otherwise in these regulations, visiting associations pay for their own travel, board and lodging.

Article 64 Financial rules – finals

64.01 The financial provisions for the finals, including the settlement of organisational costs, are defined in the contract between UEFA and the host association. The financial provisions for the finals are based on an official delegation of 50 people (26 players and 24 officials) per participating association. Detailed financial information of relevance to all participating associations will be communicated at the workshop organised in conjunction with the draw for the finals.

64.02 The performance bonus and ticketing share for the participants in the finals is credited to each association's current account with UEFA, while the cost of retail tickets and any additional services is debited.

64.03 UEFA provides local ground transport within the territory of the host association, including a team bus, as specified at the finalists’ workshop. Any additional transport must be arranged and paid for by the participating associations themselves.

64.04 UEFA organises and pays for accommodation in the team hotels on the basis of a standard arrangement for 50 people per delegation. The associations are responsible for and bear the cost of any board and additional lodging arrangements.

64.05 No international travel costs and no daily allowances are paid to the participating associations as these are covered by the performance bonus.

64.06 The participating associations will receive the balance of the total amount due to them within three months of the finals ending.

XIII - Exploitation of the Commercial Rights

Article 65 Commercial rights – general

65.01 The 2022-28 Commercial Regulations governing the European Qualifiers, UEFA Nations League and friendly matches govern the rights, duties and responsibilities of all parties regarding the commercial rights. In the event of any conflict between this commercial chapter of the present Regulations of the UEFA Nations League and the 2022-28 Commercial Regulations governing the European Qualifiers, UEFA Nations League and friendly matches, the provisions of the present regulations shall prevail.

65.02 Associations must obtain all necessary third-party rights and consents that are required in order for them to comply with this chapter and, upon request, must supply UEFA free of charge with the necessary documentation (including any third-party consents) required to allow UEFA to use and exploit its rights under these regulations.

65.03 On registering for the competition, associations must grant UEFA the non-exclusive right to use photographic, audiovisual and visual material of their team, players, coaches, officials and other employees (including their names, relevant statistics, data and images), as well as association imagery and stadium imagery, free of charge for:

1. the staging and organising of the competition (and future editions of the competition);

2. non-commercial, promotional and/or editorial purposes (including the use of such material in the multilateral production of television and media promotion and coverage of the competition and on/for UEFA’s digital services); and/or

3. other purposes reasonably designated by UEFA.

UEFA owns and has the sole right, to the exclusion of the participating associations and any other party, to exploit the data rights and marketing rights to the competition generally or as a collective whole, including, by way of example, the right to nominate sponsors in relation to the competition. No participating association may participate in or allow any third party to use any commercial rights granted by the participating association in any aggregation of such commercial rights in any way that would permit a third party to create an association with the competition generally or as a collective whole. As a result, any granting by a participating association of the relevant commercial rights relating to its matches in the competition must be conditional upon the grantee and other third parties not exploiting the relevant rights in such a manner. By way of example, no participating association may create, or permit a third party to use rights granted by it to create, a website that is promoted as an official or dedicated website of the competition as a whole. On request, the associations must supply UEFA free of charge with all appropriate material as well as with the necessary documentation required to allow UEFA to use and exploit such rights in accordance with this paragraph.

65.04 The host associations shall ensure that their ticketing and media accreditation terms and conditions for all matches stipulate as a minimum that:

1. no person may conduct any promotional or commercial activity at the match stadium without the prior written approval of UEFA;

2. tickets must not be used for any commercial purposes such as for promotion, advertising, use as a prize in a competition/sweepstake, or as part of a hospitality or travel package without the prior written approval of UEFA;

3. all people attending the match acknowledge that use may be made (free of charge) of their voice, image and/or likeness in still images and audio/visual transmissions relating to that match; and

4. no person attending the match may, without UEFA’s prior written approval, collect, record, use and/or disseminate any sound, image, recording or depiction of the match and/or the competition (including any results, statistics, information and/or other data, in whole or in part) for any purpose other than for personal, private and non-commercial use.

Article 66 Commercial rights – finals

66.01 UEFA owns and has the sole right, to the exclusion of the participating associations and any other party, to exploit all the commercial rights to the finals, including those arising at, and relating to, the official training centre of each participating association. UEFA may exercise its right to exploit these commercial rights at its sole discretion and on a worldwide basis.

66.02 UEFA has the exclusive right to undertake the multilateral production of television and media coverage for the finals, including all matches and other official events, in particular in order to promote the competition and the participation of the relevant associations. In order to fulfil this role, the host broadcaster will film and produce a wide range of materials for UEFA’s own use and also for the production of material for distribution on a worldwide basis to the official broadcast partners and other UEFA-appointed media outlets for the overall benefit, coverage and promotion of the competition and, in particular, the finals. Each association participating in the finals, including its teams and officials (in particular its press officers), is required to cooperate to the fullest extent possible to facilitate host broadcaster operations, including in respect of access to and the obtaining of consents from players, coaches and other team officials for the purposes of interviews, in order to best promote the competition as a whole.

66.03 The commercial rights arising at and relating to the official training centre of each participating association commence the moment the team arrives at the team hotel. They terminate at the end of the finals.

66.04 Each participating association must provide all necessary assistance and cooperation to UEFA in taking any and all legal and other measures that UEFA, at its sole discretion, deems appropriate to prohibit, prevent and stop any unauthorised exploitation of the commercial rights to the finals and to ensure that all the commercial rights remain owned and exercised solely and exclusively by UEFA without restriction. In this regard, no association may use or exploit, directly or indirectly, any commercial rights to the finals without the express prior written agreement of UEFA and subject to such conditions as UEFA may require. Each association must ensure that its players, coaches, officials and other employees as well as its partners, commercial or otherwise, do not use or otherwise exploit directly or indirectly any commercial rights to the finals without UEFA’s express prior agreement, which may be granted or withheld at its sole discretion.

66.05 From the moment their teams first arrive at their respective team hotels until the end of the finals, participating associations may not display (including on any clothing) any third-party commercial identification or branding in any stadium or training centre, or at any official UEFA press conference, other than:

1. on attire used at unofficial training sessions;

2. in the indoor press conference facility at their official training centre (or another press conference location approved by UEFA) when used for unofficial events/activities;

3. manufacturer’s identification on attire, in accordance with the UEFA Equipment Regulations.

66.06 Associations participating in the finals may be permitted to make coaching films, which must not be used for any purposes whatsoever other than for the instruction of players, referees and officials of the relevant associations. Permission to film and produce such coaching films must be obtained from the UEFA administration in writing. Such permission sets out any relevant financial and other conditions. Available space and locations for the relevant film crews are limited and any such requests for permission must be submitted to the UEFA administration at least 30 days before the start of the finals. All practical filming arrangements, including access, working areas, number and size of crews, types of camera, etc., are communicated by UEFA in advance by circular letter or a similar means of communication. All intellectual property rights in and to any and all material recorded for such purposes must be assigned to UEFA in writing and, if so requested by UEFA, a copy of all relevant film material provided to UEFA within 24 hours of any such request being made. No other filming, recording or photography is permitted at any event held at a stadium, at any training session designated as official by UEFA (excluding the training session on the day before the match (or part thereof) that is open to the media), at any official UEFA press conference or otherwise at any official event during the finals without UEFA’s prior approval.

66.07 On registering for the competition, associations must grant UEFA the non-exclusive right, if such association qualifies for the finals, to use and/or sub-license the right to use free of charge the association’s imagery for incorporation into commercial and promotional merchandise and materials (together with packaging and promotional materials for such merchandise and materials) provided that any such merchandise and materials:

1. relate to the finals;

2. include the competition name and/or a competition logo (or the name and/or logo of the finals);

3. include association imagery from each of the other participating associations; and

4. do not give undue prominence to the association imagery of any one participating association or group of participating associations.

The requirements specified in (c) and (d) do not apply to the use of the association imagery of the participating association that wins the competition where such association imagery is featured in images of the celebration of its victory in the final (for example, photographs of the presentation and lifting of the trophy). Such merchandise and materials may be sold or distributed free of charge and may include customary references to and/or branding of any manufacturer, distributor and/or provider of the relevant merchandise and materials, provided that no such reference or branding implies an endorsement of any such third party or its products and/or services by any participating association. This paragraph does not relate to the imagery of any association’s players.

66.08 Each participating association must support and ensure that its players, coaches, officials and other employees support the commercial programme established by UEFA to exploit the marketing rights to the finals, including the promotional programmes run by UEFA and its commercial affiliates (e.g. ball kids, player mascots, match-ball carriers, flag bearers, player of the match awards and stadium tours). In this regard, each association must ensure that its players, coaches, officials and other employees do not use or otherwise exploit, directly or indirectly, any commercial rights to the finals without UEFA’s express prior agreement, which may be granted or withheld at its sole discretion.

66.09 Further to Paragraph 42.02, tickets can only be used in accordance with the ticketing terms and conditions. In particular, tickets cannot be resold or transferred except in accordance with the ticketing terms and conditions and participating associations shall not, and shall ensure that their team sponsors and other commercial partners do not, directly or indirectly, use tickets to matches in the finals for advertising, sales promotions or any other commercial purposes. This includes combining tickets with travel or accommodation, or using tickets as premiums, giveaways or prizes in a competition, contest or sweepstake. The operation of any promotion that explicitly, implicitly or otherwise includes tickets to matches in the finals shall be considered an infringement of this rule.

66.10 UEFA declines all responsibility and liability in the event of any conflict between any agreement entered into by an association and any arrangement entered into by UEFA relating to the exploitation of the commercial rights to the finals.

XIV - Media Matters

Article 67 Media requirements – league phase, quarter-finals and play-offs

67.01 Annex A of the 2022-28 Commercial Regulations governing the European Qualifiers, UEFA Nations League and friendly matches and the National Associations Manual set out the media requirements for the league phase, the quarter-finals and the play-offs.

67.02 The UEFA administration issues further media requirements in respect of both standard and so-called double productions by circular letter in due course.

Article 68 General media matters – finals

68.01 For the finals, all team media activities at the match stadium are coordinated by UEFA.

68.02 Each participating association must appoint a dedicated English-speaking press officer to coordinate media matters with UEFA and the media in accordance with UEFA’s rules and regulations. The association’s press officer must attend all media activities and ensure that the team meets all its media obligations in connection with each match.

68.03 Teams must cooperate to the fullest extent possible with access and interview requests from UEFA before, during and after the finals.

68.04 A head coach who is suspended for or sent off during a match may be replaced by the assistant coach for the pre-match press conference, post-match interviews and/or post-match press conference.

Article 69 Media access – finals

69.01 Access devices for matches in the finals and official media activities are managed and distributed by UEFA.

69.02 The accreditation of media representatives is the responsibility of UEFA, which may consult the associations regarding accreditation requests from media representatives of their countries as part of the validation and arbitration process. Final decisions on the acceptance or refusal of accreditation requests are the sole responsibility of UEFA, at its full discretion. UEFA may withdraw an accreditation at any time.

69.03 For the finals, the following restrictions apply:

1. No media representatives are allowed on the field of play before, during or after the match, with the exception of UEFA-approved broadcast operations.

2. Unauthorised media representatives are not allowed on the field of play or in the area between the boundaries of the field and the spectators. Only media representatives who have been granted permission by UEFA are allowed in such areas to carry out their work in the specific locations assigned to them.

3. No media representatives are allowed in the players’ tunnel or the dressing room area, with the exception of UEFA-approved broadcast operations.

4. No media representatives are allowed in the dressing rooms before, during or after the match, with the exception of UEFA-approved broadcast operations including stand-up presentations conducted in a team’s dressing room before the arrival of the team in question. All such filming is supervised by UEFA.

Article 70 General media activities – finals

70.01 Each team must provide UEFA with access to all players in their squad, the head coach and the assistant coach for a squad access day in order to gather the following content for host broadcaster operations and UEFA digital platforms:

1. a green screen filming session with all players, the head coach and the assistant coach;

2. a photography session with all players, the head coach and the assistant coach;

3. a digital/corporate content session with ten players and the head coach;

4. an interview session with two players and the head coach.

UEFA and the association must agree in advance on the date, time and location of the squad access day and on which players will be made available. Each team’s squad access day must take place no later than four days before the team’s first match in the finals unless alternative arrangements are agreed by the team and UEFA. If a selected player becomes unable to participate in any part of the squad access day, the association must inform UEFA as soon as reasonably possible and ensure that another player is made available as a replacement, or another suitable alternative is provided that is acceptable to UEFA.

70.02 Each team must hold a daily media activity in accordance with UEFA’s specifications, with the head coach or a player (unless otherwise agreed with UEFA), in the form of a press conference or a mixed zone or in an alternative format agreed with UEFA in advance.

70.03 Each team must make two players, or its head coach and one player, available two days before each match for sit-down interviews with UEFA. If a selected player becomes unable to participate, the association must inform UEFA as soon as reasonably possible and must ensure that another player, or a suitable alternative accepted by UEFA, is made available as a replacement.

70.04 Teams may hold only one fully closed training session before each match. All other training sessions must be open to the media for at least 15 minutes.

Article 71 Media activities on the day before the match – finals

71.01 Each team must make their training session on the day before the match open to the media for at least 15 minutes, in accordance with the schedule agreed in advance with UEFA. These official training sessions must be arranged by the two teams and UEFA together, so that the media can attend both. In principle, these official training sessions take place at the match stadium, unless otherwise agreed in advance with UEFA. Each team may decide whether the entire training session or only the first 15 minutes are open to the media. If a team decides to open its training session for the minimum 15 minutes only and if its own official association platform crew wishes to attend the entire session, then cameras from both (i) the host broadcaster and (ii) the audiovisual rights-holders from its own country and the country of the opposing team must be given the same opportunity. Teams are allowed to film the closed part of their training session for technical analysis purposes with no obligation to provide access to broadcasters. Such footage may not be published by the association or distributed to representatives of the media. If a team allows its own photographer to attend the entire training session (of which only 15 minutes are open to the media), the association must provide UEFA, upon request, with photos which UEFA will then make available to the international media. Training sessions that start earlier than scheduled must nevertheless be open for the advertised period of 15 minutes. If a team does not intend to hold a training session on the day before the match, the training session on the previous day (two days before the match) must be open to the media and will be considered as the official pre-match training session. UEFA must be informed at least 24 hours in advance.

71.02 Each team must hold a pre-match press conference at the match stadium the day before each match. Each pre-match press conference must be attended by the head coach and at least one player who is eligible to play in the upcoming match. As an alternative option to be agreed beforehand with UEFA and subject to the stadium configuration, a mixed zone may be set up and the player instead be made available there, for at least 15 minutes. Pre-match press conferences are coordinated by UEFA and the participating teams to avoid schedule clashes and to meet media deadlines. Unless agreed otherwise with UEFA, the official time slots defined by UEFA must be respected. If no agreement can be reached, UEFA’s decision is final. UEFA-provided backdrops must be used at all official UEFA press conferences.

71.03 Each team must make its head coach and at least one player who is eligible to play in the upcoming match available the day before the match for interviews with the host broadcaster and any audio and/or audiovisual rights-holders from its own country and the country of the opposing team, according to the below minimum numbers of interviews per match:

• Semi-finals and third-place match: at least 12 interviews per team

• Final: at least 14 interviews per team

If the minimum number of interviews is not reached after servicing the above-mentioned audio and/or audiovisual rights-holders, then this opportunity passes to other audiovisual rights-holders as determined by UEFA. Audio rights-holder interviews may be given in a group format, as determined by UEFA, and count as a single interview for the purpose of the minimum number of interviews above.

Article 72 Matchday media activities – finals

72.01 Interviews are not permitted during the match on the field of play itself or in its immediate vicinity.

72.02 Interviews are coordinated by UEFA in predetermined locations and according to the following rules:

1. Each team must make its head coach and a key player who has not participated in activities the day before the match available for pre-match interviews. Two interviews must be given to the host broadcaster and at least one to each of the live audiovisual rights-holders from the country of the team. Interviews must take place between the team's arrival at the stadium and the end of the warm-up. Exact timings must be agreed by the team and UEFA. Any additional pre-match interviews require the team's agreement.

2. Each team must make either its head coach, its assistant coach, the team’s technical/sporting director or a fielded player available for a short half-time interview with either the host broadcaster or the main audiovisual rights-holder from the team’s country, as determined by UEFA. Additional half-time interviews may be requested, subject to the agreement of the team.

3. Each team must make one player available for a super-flash interview with the host broadcaster or the main audiovisual rights-holder from its country as determined by UEFA. The UEFA player of the match must also be made available for an additional super-flash interview in front of a dedicated backdrop, if applicable. These interviews take place immediately after the final whistle on or next to the field of play. Additional super-flash interviews are subject to the agreement of the team.

4. Flash interviews and indoor studio interviews are obligatory and take place after the match. Each team must provide:

   1. three interviews with the main audiovisual rights-holder from its country;

   2. two interviews with each of the other unilateral audiovisual rights-holders (including the host broadcaster);

   3. one interview with each of the audiovisual rights-holders operating in a multilateral flash interview position;

   4. one interview with each of the audio rights-holders from its country operating in a radio flash interview position, potentially in a group format, as determined by UEFA.

   The head coach, if requested, must be available for at least five of the above interviews, including at least one with an audiovisual rights-holder operating in a multilateral flash interview position. The UEFA player of the match, if requested, must be available for at least four of the above interviews. In principle, teams must ensure that the head coach and players are available for these interviews within 15 minutes of the end of the match. Upon request, the winning team must provide a short piece of content of a player reaction recorded on a mobile device for exploitation on digital platforms.

5. During the finals, the minimum flash and studio interview requirements for defeated teams are reduced:

   1. Audiovisual rights-holders from the team’s own country and the host broadcaster must get at least two interviews.

   2. Audiovisual rights-holders operating in a unilateral flash interview position must get at least one interview.

   3. At least one interview must be given in each multilateral position.

   4. One interview must be given in each radio flash position to audio rights-holders from the team’s own country, potentially in a group format, as determined by UEFA.

   5. Additional interviews are at the team’s discretion.

   6. The obligations include interviews with both the head coach and players.

6. During the finals, the winning team should compensate for interviews not delivered by the defeated team.

7. A player selected for a doping control may give post-match interviews subject to the approval of the UEFA doping control officer and provided that the player is escorted by a chaperone appointed by the UEFA doping control officer.

8. Teams must fulfil interview requests from audiovisual rights-holders before giving interviews to their national association media platforms.

72.03 The official post-match UEFA press conferences at the match stadium are coordinated by UEFA and must start no later than 20 minutes after the final whistle. Both head coaches and the UEFA player of the match must attend the press conference. After the final, the UEFA player of the finals must attend the press conference.

72.04 After the match, a mixed zone is set up for the media on the way from the dressing rooms to the team transport area. This area – accessible only to coaches, players and representatives of the media – is divided into areas with different access points, as determined by UEFA. All the players who participated in the match, including fielded substitutes, are obliged to pass through the mixed zone. In addition, a minimum of three players who participated in the match per team must give interviews in the designated areas of the mixed zone.

72.05 After the match, teams are responsible for ensuring that all relevant players who have won official UEFA awards (e.g. player of the match or player of the finals) attend the relevant official event, ceremony, press conference or presentation.

Article 73 Provisions specific to the final

73.01 The team that wins the final must give at least four post-match interviews to the live audiovisual rights-holders from its country and two interviews to each of the remaining audiovisual and audio rights-holders. A broadcaster with a super-flash interview position must be given at least two interviews on the pitch.

73.02 The minimum interview requirements for the runners-up are reduced after the final:

1. The minimum number of post-match interviews is 14, of which two must be super-flash interviews.

2. Ten of the interviews must take place within 45 minutes of the trophy lift.

3. All interviews must be conducted within 60 minutes of the trophy lift.

XV - Closing Provisions

Article 74 Implementing provisions

74.01 The UEFA administration is entrusted with the operational management of the competition and is therefore entitled to take the decisions and adopt the detailed provisions and guidelines necessary for implementing these regulations (including the National Associations Manual).

Article 75 Unforeseen circumstances

75.01 Any matters not provided for in these regulations, such as cases of force majeure, will be decided by the UEFA Emergency Panel or, if not possible due to time constraints, by the UEFA President or, in his absence, by the UEFA General Secretary. Such decisions are final.

Article 76 Non-compliance

76.01 Any breach of these regulations may be penalised by UEFA in accordance with the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations.

Article 77 Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)

77.01 In the event of litigation resulting from or in relation to these regulations, the provisions regarding the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) laid down in the UEFA Statutes apply.

Article 78 Annexes

78.01 All annexes form an integral part of these regulations.

Article 79 Authoritative version

79.01 If there is any discrepancy in the interpretation of the English, French or German versions of these regulations, the English version prevails.

Article 80 Adoption and entry into force

80.01 These regulations were adopted by the UEFA Executive Committee on 3 December 2025 and came into force on 15 December 2025, with amendments approved on 29 July 2026, which come into force immediately.

	For the UEFA Executive Committee:
	Aleksander Čeferin President	Theodore Theodoridis General Secretary
	Nyon, 29 July 2026

Annex A - 2026–28 National Team Match Calendar

Annex B - Competition System

Annex C - 2026/27 Final UEFA Nations League Access List and Overall Rankings

Annex D - Pitch Organisation

1.	Advertising boards
2.	Technical area
3.	Team benches
4.	Warm-up areas
5.	Pitchside halfway camera
6.	Host broadcaster cameras
7.	Reverse-angle cameras
8.	Additional TV cameras (reserved area of minimum 10m x 2m)
9.	Remote photo and TV cameras in front of boards
10.	Photographers
Note: Diagram shows standard pitch set-up. All details subject to individual stadium conditions. All pitchside equipment to be positioned so that it does not present any danger to the players, coaches and match officials.