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

Sunderland will face UEFA stadium regulations in next season’s Europa League, with no significant hurdles anticipated at the Stadium of Light. The club’s European return brings fresh requirements and matchday procedures.

According to Sunderland Echo, UEFA can inspect pitches before and during the competition, and clubs must cooperate. Home teams are required to make reasonable efforts to keep the surface in optimum condition.

For natural grass, the pitch must be cut uniformly with grass no higher than 30mm. Clubs must confirm watering plans at the organisational meeting, with irrigation generally ending 60 minutes before kick-off. Limited watering is allowed between 10 and five minutes before kick-off and at half-time for up to five minutes, and teams must follow UEFA pitch protection maps, with any full or partial relaying notified in advance.

From the league phase, matches must be played under floodlights. Stadiums must meet category four lighting levels and keep systems properly maintained, with UEFA able to run independent checks and require corrections. Full floodlighting must be available for training the day before and from two hours before kick-off, while LED light shows are only permitted at set moments, with exceptions in specific circumstances such as a silence.

UEFA’s football technologies include approved systems like goal-line technology and VAR. Clubs must allow installations, provide reasonable access and keep equipment secure between matches. For VAR in qualifying and play-offs, the home club must source a broadcast or technical partner to produce a feed even if the game is not televised, and although Sunderland enter at the league phase, European competition carries additional broadcast and technology demands.

Source: Sunderland Echo