As the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League final draws closer, an intriguing rule from European football’s governing body is beginning to attract attention—one that the eventual winner of this year’s competition will be obligated to follow, whether it be Manchester United or Tottenham Hotspur.
Both English giants secured emphatic semi-final victories on Thursday night, with Manchester United sweeping aside Athletic Club and Tottenham comfortably defeating Bodo/Glimt. The results have set the stage for a thrilling all-Premier League showdown in Bilbao, Spain, on May 21. This matchup not only promises a dramatic battle for silverware but also offers a golden ticket to next season’s UEFA Champions League—a prize both clubs desperately crave.
However, even before a ball is kicked in the final, there has been growing concern among fans and pundits about travel logistics and ticket distribution. Some have even suggested relocating the final to a neutral venue in England to make it more accessible for supporters of both clubs. Despite these calls, such a change is highly improbable, given UEFA’s firm stance on predetermined venues, which has rarely been reversed in the past.
Winning the Europa League is, in itself, a prestigious feat, but it comes with more than just glory and Champions League qualification. Behind the celebratory scenes and confetti showers, the champion club will be bound by a specific set of regulations imposed by UEFA—particularly regarding the tournament’s iconic silverware.
According to UEFA’s official guidelines, the original Europa League trophy never permanently leaves UEFA’s possession. “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,” the rule states. Instead, the winning team is awarded a full-size replica, which becomes the property of the club under strict conditions.
These conditions are quite stringent. UEFA outlines that “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.” This means clubs must inform UEFA of the trophy’s location whenever requested and ensure it remains within their national borders unless special permission is granted.
Furthermore, the trophy cannot be used in a way that could commercially benefit third parties. UEFA explicitly bans clubs from allowing the trophy to be displayed in contexts that could give visibility or create associations with sponsors or other commercial entities. This rule is designed to protect the integrity and branding of UEFA competitions.
Aside from the coveted trophy, the winning club will also receive 50 gold medals to distribute among players, coaching staff, and other team personnel. The runners-up, while going home without the title, will receive 50 silver medals in recognition of their achievement.
In terms of financial rewards, the stakes are enormous. According to BBC Sport, Manchester United could receive a windfall of up to £100 million in additional revenue if they lift the trophy—thanks to prize money, broadcasting bonuses, increased sponsorship value, and guaranteed entry into the Champions League group stage.
Yet, for Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, who is aiming to clinch his first piece of silverware since taking charge, the financial aspect isn’t the top priority. Speaking after his side’s dominant 4-1 win (7-1 on aggregate) in the semi-final, the 40-year-old Portuguese coach emphasized the emotional and sporting significance of winning a title. “Money is not the most important thing,” Amorim said. “To win a title as a coach brings a feeling, a belief that we can achieve great things. It’s about showing our fans what we can do and giving them moments to be proud of.”
He added, “Yes, qualifying for the Champions League matters. But more than that, it’s about the belief that success can change the culture and future of the club.”
As May 21 approaches, the anticipation continues to build—not only for what promises to be a high-octane final between two historic English clubs, but also for what the victory will mean in terms of prestige, financial rewards, and a future shaped by UEFA’s often-overlooked regulations.
