Commercial advertising, real or virtual, is barred from the field of play, the ground inside the goal nets, the technical area, the referee review area and the ground within 1 m of the boundary lines, from when the teams enter the field until the end of the match, except while they are off it at half-time.
Where commercial advertising is and is not allowed
Here is the placement rule for commercial advertising on and around the pitch.
| Place | Commercial advertising |
|---|---|
| The field of play | Not permitted from when the teams enter the field until the end of the match, except while they are off it at half-time |
| The ground within the area enclosed by the goal nets | Not permitted from when the teams enter the field until the end of the match, except while they are off it at half-time |
| The technical area and the referee review area | Not permitted from when the teams enter the field until the end of the match, except while they are off it at half-time |
| The ground within 1 m of the boundary lines | Not permitted from when the teams enter the field until the end of the match, except while they are off it at half-time |
| The goals, nets, flagposts and their flags | Not permitted |
| Upright advertising | At least 1 m from the touchlines, at least the depth of the goal net from the goal line, and at least 1 m from the goal net |
When the restriction applies
The timing is wider than active play. It runs from the moment the teams enter the field of play until they leave it at half-time, and then again from the moment they re-enter until the end of the match.
That means the ban is not limited to moments when the ball is in play. It also covers stoppages within those periods.
Equipment that cannot carry advertising
Advertising is not permitted on the goals, nets, flagposts or their flags.
No extraneous equipment may be attached to those items either. Cameras and microphones are examples of what cannot be fixed to them.
Commercial adverts and representative logos are treated differently
Representative logos and emblems are a separate category. During playing time, real or virtual reproductions of the representative logos or emblems of FIFA, confederations, national football associations, competitions, clubs or other bodies are forbidden on the field of play, the goal nets and the areas they enclose, the goals and the flagposts.
The flags on the flagposts are the exception for that category. Representative logos and emblems are permitted on those flags, while commercial advertising is not permitted there.
FAQ
Can there be advertising on the goal nets?
No. Advertising is not permitted on the nets, and commercial advertising is barred from the ground inside the area enclosed by the goal nets for the same period as the field of play.
Those are separate restrictions: one applies to the net itself, the other to the ground inside that enclosed area.
Are club logos allowed on corner flags?
Representative club logos and emblems may appear on the flags on the flagposts during playing time. The rule for that category is different from the rule for commercial advertising.
Commercial advertising is not permitted on the flags, so the result changes when the content is an advert rather than a representative logo or emblem.
How far must advertising boards be from the touchline?
Upright advertising must be at least 1 m from the touchlines. That is one of the minimum distances.
The same advertising must also be at least the depth of the goal net from the goal line and at least 1 m from the goal net.
Is virtual advertising allowed on the pitch?
No. Commercial advertising is barred whether it is real or virtual.
So a virtual advert on the field of play is barred for the same period as a physical one.
