Arsenal will welcome Real Madrid to north London on Tuesday evening for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.
While the Gunners have stuttered in their bid for a first Premier League title in 21 years, they remain in with a chance of lifting European football’s biggest prize for the first time in their history.
But, due to a little-known UEFA rule, they will not officially be playing at Emirates Stadium – which has been their home since they left Highbury in 2006.
In European competition, the ground is simply listed as ‘Arsenal Stadium’ because of a UEFA regulation.
This also applies to a number of other team in Europe, including Manchester City.
Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium is listed as Arsenal Stadium in UEFA competitions due to sponsorship rules
This is due to UEFA not recognising stadium sponsors under their rules regarding sponsorships in the naming of stadia
City have also seen their home ground, the Etihad Stadium, renamed to the City of Manchester Stadium when they play in UEFA competition.
This is due to UEFA not recognising stadium sponsors under their rules regarding sponsorships in the naming of stadia.
In fact, UEFA sponsorships rules have also seen teams forced to change their name somewhat.
Austria’s Red Bull Salzburg have seen their name shortened to simply FC Salzburg, and use a modified crest to fit within the regulations.
So, should you see the moniker of Arsenal Stadium being used on Tuesday night, that is the unlikely reason behind it.
The game will see Mikel Arteta’s side chase a win that would give them a great chance of reach their first Champions League semi-final since 2009.
