Inter Milan forced to change away kit due to bizarre Champions League rule

Serie A leaders Inter Milan have been forced to change their away kit due to a Champions League rule.

The Nerazzurri, who reached the final last season, have taken 10 points from four games and qualified for the round of 16 with a 1-0 win over Red Bull Salzburg on Wednesday night.

But the 2010 winners had to make a tweak to one of their strips because of UEFA sponsorship regulations.

Inter had a deal with Digitalbits, who also sponsored Roma, but the partnership was terminated as a result of failed payments.

After a brief sponsorless period, they then agreed a link-up with Paramount+ - said to be worth around €20 million.

Image: Getty

However, across their three strips this season, there are two different versions of the sponsor.

There is one with the full logo with the mountain which graces both the first and third kits, however the away strip merely contains text.

But the problem is that falls foul of UEFA rules, which state that kits must contain the exact same sponsor across the board.

Image: Getty

Article 31 in the UEFA handbook states: "A change of sponsor may be allowed if the team submits a written request to the UEFA administration at least seven working days before the first match in which they wish to use the new sponsor advertising, together with the following items: A copy of the approval of the team’s national association. Confirmation of the change from the old and new sponsor. A sample shirt containing the new sponsor logo."

Although it is technically the same sponsor, UEFA deems to be different and so Inter have had to revert to the more complete logo.

Topics: Inter Milan, Champions League, Serie A

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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