Football shirt graphics: get competition approval before printing

Identify the competition before approving the shirt

Receiving a sponsor's logo file does not settle whether a football team may place it on a match shirt. Identify the competition and its current equipment rules before committing to the printed layout.

IFAB Law 4 addresses player-equipment markings and explains that competition rules can further limit the size, number and position of permitted slogans, statements and images. The relevant competition's answer matters; a design seen on another team's kit is not your approval.

Separate the necessary decisions

Our recommendation is to keep sponsor permission, competition acceptance and artwork accuracy as separate records. A sponsor can authorize use of its logo without deciding league rules. A correct print file can still describe a layout that the competition has not accepted.

Send the proposed whole-shirt layout to the team official who handles competition requirements. Show the actual markings together rather than asking about a logo in isolation. Include any special message or event wording in that review.

Keep the approved layout identifiable

• Competition: record the event or league and applicable season.
• Shirt: identify the match garment and the proposed decoration locations.
• Markings: record the final sponsor, team and message artwork with dimensions.
• Approval: retain the relevant written decision and any changes it requires.

Ask again when a change affects that approved specification. Do not assume approval for training clothing or a previous tournament automatically covers the next match kit.

Resolve the disagreement before production

Imagine a sponsor supplies a replacement logo after a shirt layout has been approved. This is a hypothetical example. If the replacement changes the marking's shape or placement, have the responsible official check the revised layout before printing. Keep the old approved version separate so nobody orders from the wrong file.

Once the layout is authorized, use the artwork guide to prepare the graphics and review DTF transfer options. Send Transfer305 the approved production specification. File review and transfer supply do not provide competition clearance.