The strict UEFA rule Spain or Portugal must follow if they win the Nations League

Spain and Portugal have been informed of the strict rules they must follow if they are to win the UEFA Nations League final.

On Sunday night, European giants Spain and Portugal will face off in the final of the 2024/25 Nations League at the Allianz Arena in Munich.

In the semi-finals, Portugal got the better of Germany thanks to a winning goal from captain Cristiano Ronaldo while Euro 2024 champions Spain beat France in a thrilling 5-4 match that saw a star performance from Lamine Yamal.

As they step onto the pitch for the final, Spain are relatively heavy favourites, but both sides will no doubt be eager to come away with the Nations League trophy.

But, ahead of the match, both sides have been reminded of the strict UEFA rules that they must follow should they be victorious in the highly-anticipated match.

Cristiano Ronaldo secured Portugal's place in the 2024/25 Nations League final. (Image: Getty)

Article 10 of the official UEFA Nations League regulations describe exactly how the process of awarding the trophy, plaques and medals should happen once a winner is determined.

After the match, the winning team will be permitted to the lift the prestigious UEFA Nations League trophy, but the regulations explain that they will not be permitted to keep it as it must remain in UEFA’s keeping and ownership at all times.

Instead, a full-size replica trophy will be awarded to the nation's football association which can be taken back to their country.

However, the rules strictly state that this replica trophy must remain within the relevant association’s control at all times and may not leave the association’s country without UEFA’s prior written consent.

The association also cannot create or sell any promotional material or merchandise bearing any representation of the trophy, and cannot permit a third party to do so on their behalf.

Spain are the reigning Nations League champions having won the last tournament in 2022/23. (Image: Getty)

Alongside the replica trophy, the winning nation will also be granted 40 gold medals to distribute to players and staff, while the runners-up will be awarded 40 silver medals.

Similarly, the winner of the third-place match between France and Germany will be given 40 bronze medals to hand out.

Unfortunately, the rules also state that no additional medals may be produced, meaning that each nation will have to carefully select who is given a medal.