UEFA Allow FC Barcelona Iridescent Logos But Force Other Subtle Kit Changes
Quite by big surprise, FC Barcelona debuted their Nike 2021-2022 away kit in today's Europa League match away against Turkish side Galatasaray.
FC Barcelona did not wear their 2021-2022 away kit in UEFA competitions before this evening. Instead, they wore their old yellow and red Senyera kit when it was not possible to wear the European home uniform.
FC Barcelona 21-22 Away Kit - UEFA Edition
Until this evening, we expected UEFA to not allow Barcelona to wear the 21-22 away kit because of the iridescent logos. However, the images reveal that it features iridescent logos.
UEFA usually forbid reflective material
In fact, UEFA's Equipment Regulations forbid material that is "reflective or changes its color under any external influence (pressure, light, water, etc.)". It appears to not apply to the crest and the manufacture logo, at least Barcelona's were allowed to have iridescent logos.
UEFA do not name crests or manufacturer logos
Indeed, UEFA say that it "includes material used for numbers, player names, sponsors or charity logos" but does not name crests or manufacturer logos.
Text on material is not allowed
However, Barcelona had to do other changes to their kit. The side stripes usually feature the very subtle text "Tots Units Fem Força" from the club anthem. But any text on the material is not allowed by UEFA, and so the Barcelona kit featured plain side stripes.
Nike might have also not used iridescent seams, even though it is hard to tell from the pictures.
Have you noticed other changes Nike made to the kit to apply to the UEFA Equipment Regulations? Comment below.
