Premier League kit rules require the shirt number to appear on the shorts as well, the goalkeeper to be distinct from every other player and the match officials, and each captain to wear an armband provided by the league.
What each rule covers
Here is the full set of requirements covered by these rules.
| Rule | What it requires |
|---|---|
| Shirt number | Also on the front of the left or right leg of the shorts |
| Numbers and lettering | Size, style, colour, design and material set by the board |
| Goalkeeper | Shirt and socks must stand out from the other players and the match officials |
| Captain | An armband provided by the league |
| Breach | A fixed penalty of £2,500 for a first breach |
Where the number goes and who controls the design
A player's number cannot appear only on the shirt. It also has to be shown on the front of the left leg or the right leg of the shorts.
The board decides, from time to time, the size, style, colour, design and material of shirt numbers, lettering and the league logo used on a shirt or shorts.
The goalkeeper's shirt and socks
The goalkeeper has a separate visibility requirement covering both the shirt and the socks. Their colour and design must make the goalkeeper distinct from the other players and from the match officials.
The rule is about clear visual separation. No particular colour is prescribed, only that the colour and design of the goalkeeper's shirt and socks set him apart from the other players and from the match officials.
The captain's armband and the sanction for a breach
Each team's captain wears an armband from the league to show that he is the captain.
If a club breaks any of these rules, the first breach brings a fixed penalty. A later breach can then be handled under the disciplinary section of the rules.
FAQ
Where does the shirt number go on Premier League shorts?
It goes on the front of either the left leg or the right leg of the shorts. The requirement is for one of those two front positions, in addition to the number on the shirt.
What socks rule applies in the Premier League?
The socks rule applies specifically to the goalkeeper. The goalkeeper's socks, along with the shirt, must be distinct from the other players and the match officials.
Why does the captain wear an armband?
The armband shows who the captain is. In Premier League rules, it also has to come from the league rather than from the club.
What happens if a club breaches these kit rules?
A first breach carries a fixed penalty of £2,500. If there is another breach after that, the case may be dealt with under the disciplinary section of the rules.