Sunderland’s Europa League stadium rules explained as Stadium of Light inspections outlined | OneFootball

Sunderland must meet UEFA stadium regulations for next season’s Europa League at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland Echo reports.

UEFA expects a top-condition pitch and can inspect before and during the competition. Natural grass must be uniform and no higher than 30mm. Clubs must confirm watering plans, which usually end 60 minutes before kick-off, with watering permitted between 10 and five minutes before, and for up to five minutes at half-time.

UEFA pitch protection maps apply to training and warm-ups. Any full or partial pitch replacement must be notified to UEFA in advance.

From the league phase, games must be played under floodlights. Category four lighting is required with regular maintenance, and UEFA may run checks and request corrections. Full floodlighting is needed for training the day before and from two hours before kick-off, unless required earlier for operational reasons.

UEFA may permit entertainment lighting only at set moments, before the warm-up, between the warm-up and players emerging, or after the match, with exceptions such as a moment of silence.

UEFA covers technologies including goal-line technology and VAR. Clubs must allow installation, provide access and keep equipment secure. In qualifiers and play-offs, the home club must arrange a broadcast or technical partner to produce a VAR feed even if the match is not televised. Sunderland will enter at the league phase, but European football brings additional broadcast and technology demands.

Overall, no significant hurdles are expected for the Stadium of Light, which already hosts top-flight football and major events.

Source: Sunderland Echo