Question Number: 18165

Law 1- The Field 12/21/2007

RE: Adult

Melvin Hagerman of Colorado Springs, Colorado U.S.A. asks...

This question is a follow up to question 6361

Extending the question #6361: I have seen a number of top-division leagues (Mexico, Spain, Italy to name some) which have put what looks like large canvas advertising signs on both sides of both goals. These are out of play, but barely outside the end lines. In Argentina's top division, there are little signs (look triangular and possibly made of foam?) which are placed outside the end lines and around the base of the goals. To me this would be considered unsafe for the players; wouldn't it make more sense if these were painted on the ground instead (i.e. see Barcelona's club symbol at the Nou Camp)?

I know that painting these signs might be impossible due to ground sharing, an athletics track, etc., but could any of you ever see yourselves ordering the removal of these signs as unsafe if YOU were the referee?

Answer provided by Referee Gil Weber

Melvin,

I am not exactly certain what you are seeing and describing, but I can tell you that it is very common for signage to be painted on the ground behind the goal line, and for that signage to appear to be raised (i.e., three-dimensional). However, it is not raised from the ground, and there is no danger for anyone.

I can also say with virtual certainty that stadia for professional teams playing in Italy, Spain, Mexico, and Argentina comply with any and all FIFA regulations regarding advertising in the areas surrounding the field. Perhaps a stadium in a nation considered an international backwater might not comply, but in those countries you mentioned I think there is not a chance that they'd be out of compliance.

Gil Weber

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Ref Weber speaks of compliance and here he means Law 1 International FA Board Decisions 3 and 5. These decisions forbid advertising on the field when the players are there, this includes the goals and nets and forbids the reproduction of FIFA logos or that of any other body on the field and field eqipment including the goal nets and the areas they enclose.

Regards,