UEFA have strict rule Man Utd and Spurs MUST follow no matter who wins the Europa League

As Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur prepare for a high-stakes Europa League final a crucial UEFA regulation looms over both clubs one that will apply regardless of who lifts the trophy on Wednesday night.

While both Premier League giants have endured disastrous domestic campaigns, with United sitting 16th and Spurs just above them in 17th, they have defied the odds in Europe, reaching the Europa League final in dramatic fashion. The all-English showdown at San Mamés Stadium offers not only a chance to salvage pride but also a backdoor into the Champions League.

The winner of the final will secure a lucrative place in next season’s UEFA Champions League, meaning England could have as many as six representatives in Europe’s elite competition. For United, a win would evoke memories of 2017, when José Mourinho guided them to Europa League glory against Ajax. For Spurs, it’s a chance to end a 16-year trophy drought that stretches back to their League Cup triumph in 2008.

However, lifting the trophy on the pitch is only part of the story. UEFA, the governing body of European football, enforces a set of strict regulations regarding the handling of its prestigious silverware—and both clubs must comply, no matter who emerges victorious.

The Europa League trophy is the heaviest among UEFA’s competitions, weighing in at a substantial 15 kilograms. But despite the grandeur of the presentation ceremony, the original trophy never actually leaves UEFA’s hands.

According to UEFA’s official regulations, the winning club receives a full-sized replica of the trophy for display purposes, while the original remains in UEFA’s permanent custody. “The original trophy remains in UEFA’s keeping and ownership at all times,” the governing body states.

Along with the replica, the winning team will receive 50 gold medals to distribute among players, coaching staff, and club personnel.

But that’s not where UEFA’s control ends. Clubs are not allowed to take the replica trophy outside of their home country without prior written consent from UEFA. Additionally, they are prohibited from using the trophy in any promotional or commercial context involving third-party sponsors or partners.

UEFA’s guidelines are explicit: “Replica trophies awarded to winners of the competition (past and current) must remain within the relevant club’s control at all times and may not leave the club’s country without UEFA’s prior written consent (in this respect, clubs must comply with any request from the UEFA administration to confirm the location of the club’s replica trophies).”

Further, UEFA adds: “Clubs must not permit a replica trophy to be used in any context where a third party (including sponsors and other commercial partners) is granted visibility or in any other way that could lead to an association between any third party and the trophy and/or the competition.”

The reasoning behind these regulations is to maintain the integrity and image of the competition, preventing its brand from being commercialized in unauthorized ways. That means any trophy tours, international displays, or sponsored events featuring the replica must go through UEFA’s approval process.

Beyond the silverware and prestige, a win on Wednesday also represents a significant financial windfall. Both United and Spurs are believed to have earned approximately £26 million through their performances in the group stage and knockout rounds. But lifting the trophy and qualifying for the Champions League group stage next season could increase that amount to a staggering £54 million, according to BBC Sport.

In short, the Europa League final is about more than just redemption it’s a pivotal moment that could define the financial and competitive futures of both clubs. However, whether it’s United or Spurs who return to England with the replica trophy in hand, they’ll be reminded that UEFA not the club remains its rightful owner. And with strict guidelines in place, even triumph in Europe comes with conditions.

As fans gear up for a thrilling finale, both clubs are eyeing glory. But even victory comes with a rulebook.