Circular 1938 Prohibition on gambling advertising on the shirts worn by match officials in the video operation room and in the referee review area

TO THE MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS OF FIFA Circular no. 1938

Zurich, 1 August 2025

Prohibition on gambling advertising on the shirts worn by match officials, in the video operation room and in the referee review area

Dear Sir or Madam,

Referees play a central role in safeguarding the integrity and fairness of football and are essential to the game. In recognition of this, referees and their development remain a key priority for FIFA, as enshrined in Goal 5 of the Strategic Objectives for the Global Game: 2023-2027.

The video assistant referee (VAR) system, the video operation room (VOR) and the referee review area (RRA) are all also crucial support elements for match officials that enhance their ability to make accurate and fair decisions, thereby benefiting the game worldwide.

In this regard and to help develop refereeing across the FIFA Member Associations, and to continue to support you in organising your refereeing structures, a few years ago FIFA updated its regulatory framework regarding the organisation of refereeing through the FIFA Regulations on the Organisation of Refereeing in FIFA Member Associations (hereinafter the “Regulations”).

The Regulations, which are implemented by Member Associations at national level, aim to ensure that match officials are supported and protected in a consistent and professional manner, with a view to upholding refereeing standards globally. The Regulations are also aimed at assisting Member Associations and match officials with their respective duties and responsibilities and at ensuring due respect for the integrity of the game.

In this context and in line with FIFA’s statutory commitment to good governance, ethical conduct and the integrity of matches and competitions, as well as with a view to preventing any practice that might jeopardise these principles, we would like to reiterate the importance that Member Associations respect and comply with the principles of the Regulations.

Fédération Internationale de Football Association FIFA-Strasse 20 P.O. Box 8044 Zurich Switzerland T: +41 (0)43 222 7777 www.FIFA.com In particular, we wish to draw your attention to a specific article of the Regulations concerning sponsor advertising on the shirts worn by match officials, in the VOR and the RRA. Paragraphs 1 and 4 of article 15 read as follows:

“During matches organised under the jurisdiction of a member association, sponsor advertising may be authorised for the shirts worn by match officials. All advertising for tobacco-related products, alcoholic beverages, narcotics (ex. Marijuana) or gambling establishments (casinos or betting companies) is strictly prohibited. Any slogans of a political, racist or religious nature are also forbidden.” (emphasis added)

“During matches utilising VAR, advertising is also permitted inside the video operations room (VOR) and on the monitor stand in the referee review area (RRA). This must follow the requirements listed in par. 1.” (emphasis added)

In view of the above, FIFA Member Associations are kindly reminded that in matches and competitions organised under their jurisdiction, any form of gambling advertising (including casinos or betting companies) is strictly forbidden on the shirts worn by match officials, in the VOR and the RRA. This prohibition also applies to any related banner that might appear on television during an On-Field Review (OFR), and to all other advertising involving tobacco- related products, alcohol, narcotics and slogans of a political, racist or religious nature.

We also take the opportunity to remind you that, in accordance with the said provision, advertising for match officials is not permitted if it creates a conflict of interest with the advertising worn by either of the two participating teams through a shared sponsor. In the event of such a conflict, match officials must not wear advertising from the sponsor in question and any related advertising must also be removed from the RRA and/or the VOR prior to the match.

In addition, advertising is not permitted on the front of the shirt. This is reserved for official badges, the emblem of the Member Association and a small logo of the apparel manufacturer (if applicable). Advertising, with the exception of standard kit manufacturer logos, is also not permitted on the shorts, socks or shoes.

We thank you for taking note of the above, for your continued cooperation and for ensuring that the Regulations are respected across all of the matches and competitions under your jurisdiction.

Your commitment helps to protect not only match officials, but also the credibility and integrity of our game.

2 If you have any questions in relation to the above, please do not hesitate to contact Jan Kleiner, Director of Football Regulatory, at regulatory@fifa.org or Patrick Graf, Head of Refereeing Administration, at Patrick.Graf@fifa.org.

Yours faithfully,

FÉDÉRATION INTERNATIONALE DE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

Mattias Grafström Secretary General

cc: - FIFA Council
- Confederations
- European Club Association
- FIFPRO
- World Leagues Association

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