Tottenham banned from taking Europa League trophy to England due to strict UEFA rule
Postecoglou Delivers on His Promise – But Spurs Can’t Bring the Trophy Home
Did you catch what Ange Postecoglou confidently declared not long ago? The Australian manager boldly stated that he always delivers silverware in his second season at a club. True to his word, Postecoglou guided Tottenham Hotspur to European glory by clinching a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final. However, in a twist that has puzzled many fans, reports now reveal that the North London side will not be allowed to bring the actual trophy back to England.
The decisive moment came late in the first half when Brennan Johnson pounced on a low cross from Pape Matar Sarr, darting in front of Luke Shaw to steer the ball into the back of the net. While the goal itself was far from glamorous – scrappy, even – it proved to be the only one of the match, sealing a memorable win for the Lilywhites. Despite their best efforts, Ruben Amorim’s men were unable to find a response, and Spurs held firm to claim their long-awaited piece of silverware.
The victory, earned at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao on a jubilant Wednesday night, marked the end of a painful 17-year wait for a major trophy. Not since their 2008 League Cup triumph over Chelsea had Spurs lifted any significant silverware. For the fans, players, and everyone associated with the club, the win was a moment of sheer joy and relief. Celebrations erupted across North London and beyond, with the club confirming that a grand open-top bus parade would be held on Friday, May 23, beginning in Edmonton Green.
But while the players will hoist a trophy during that victory parade, it won’t be the authentic UEFA Europa League trophy that they held aloft after the final whistle.
According to UEFA regulations, the original trophy must remain in the custody of European football’s governing body at all times. Per Article 11.01 of UEFA’s competition handbook, the authentic Europa League trophy used during the final’s presentation ceremony is never allowed to leave UEFA’s ownership. Instead, the winning club is presented with a full-size replica – identical in appearance – to use for all post-victory events and celebrations.
The rule states:
“The original trophy, which is used for the official presentation ceremony at the final and at other official events approved by UEFA, remains in UEFA’s keeping and ownership at all times. A full-size replica trophy, the UEFA Europa League winners’ trophy, is awarded to the winning club.”
This means Tottenham Hotspur, despite their emotional triumph, will have to settle for parading a replica version of the trophy through the streets of London. The real one stays behind under UEFA’s watchful eye.
Furthermore, UEFA has strict regulations concerning even the replica trophies. The governing body insists that clubs must keep their replica trophies under their control within their own country, and the replica cannot be taken abroad without special written permission.
As clarified in UEFA’s rulebook:
“Replica trophies awarded to winners of the competition (past and current) must remain within the relevant club’s control at all times and may not leave the club’s country without UEFA’s prior written consent (in this respect, clubs must comply with any request from the UEFA administration to confirm the location of the club’s replica trophies).”
Despite this minor restriction, the celebrations will continue with full vigor. Spurs’ players, staff, and fans are unlikely to care whether it’s the original or the replica – a trophy is a trophy, and for them, the 17-year wait makes this moment even more special.
Alongside the replica trophy, UEFA also awarded Tottenham with 50 gold winners’ medals, distributed among the players and key staff who played a role in the club’s successful European campaign. It’s a milestone achievement that could mark the beginning of a new era under Postecoglou, who has already etched his name into Spurs history.
So while the real Europa League trophy won’t be coming home to London, the pride, passion, and memories of this glorious night in Bilbao certainly will – and for the Tottenham faithful, that’s more than enough.