CONTENTS KEY ELEMENTS OF THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GENERAL STADIUM FACILITIES TICKETING AND HOSPITALITY

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2 CONTENTS KEY ELEMENTS OF THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GENERAL STADIUM FACILITIES TICKETING AND HOSPITALITY UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPONSOR/SUPPLIER PARTNERS FACILITIES UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE BROADCASTER FACILITIES MEDIA FACILITIES SIGNAGE FACILITIES EXCLUSIVITY AND STADIUM BRANDING UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPONSOR/SUPPLIER PARTNERS ACTIVITIES BROADCAST AND MEDIA ACTIVITIES CLUB ACTIVITIES ACCESS AND ACCREDITATION UEFA PROMOTIONS LICENSING AND MARKETING MATERIALS UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPONSOR/SUPPLIER PARTNER LOGOS PRODUCT CATEGORY EXCLUSIVITY LIST CONTACT INFORMATION INDEX

3 CONTENTS PAGE PAGE PAGE PAGE GENERAL SECRETARY S MESSAGE KEY ELEMENTS OF THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 1.1 Use of the manual The competition The partnership Overview of the UEFA Champions League concept Overview of organisational matters UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE BROADCASTER FACILITIES 5.1 Space, facility and construction requirements Camera positions Commentary positions Pitch reporter positions Broadcast studios Interview areas Pitchside presentation areas TV compound UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPONSOR/ SUPPLIER PARTNERS ACTIVITIES 9.1 Pre-match ceremony activities Additional promotions in and around the stadium Official match ball Product supply BROADCAST AND MEDIA ACTIVITIES 10.1 General provisions ACCESS AND ACCREDITATION 12.1 The UEFA Champions League accreditation system Media access rights and accreditation procedures UEFA PROMOTIONS 13.1 Respect campaign Road to the final GENERAL STADIUM FACILITIES 2.1 Overview of required facilities Access to facilities Security Access to facilities for spectators with disabilities The pitch Technical facilities Retractable roofs Power, lighting and utilities Scoreboards, videoboards and internal stadium TV channel UEFA Champions League offices Meeting rooms Parking TICKETING AND HOSPITALITY 5.9 Player tracking system Cabling Power and lighting Observer seats Host broadcaster (HB) office MEDIA FACILITIES 6.1 Media working area Media seating (media tribune) Press conference room Mixed zone Photographers working area and match positions Internet connectivity Camera storage for non-rights-holding broadcasters Media hospitality MD-1 activities Matchday activities Presentation positions Media information UEFA content CLUB ACTIVITIES 11.1 Medical requirements Playing kit and equipment UEFA Champions League, UEFA and Respect flags Ballboys/girls Pitch watering Club mascots Non-commercial club activities Club stadium tours Scoreboards, videoboards and internal stadium TV channel LICENSING AND MARKETING MATERIALS 14.1 UEFA Champions League licensing programme UEFA Champions League marketing and print materials Non-commercial use of UCL marks on digital club platforms UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPONSOR/ SUPPLIER PARTNER LOGOS PRODUCT CATEGORY EXCLUSIVITY LIST CONTACT INFORMATION INDEX UEFA and UEFA Champions League partners Visiting club UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPONSOR/ SUPPLIER PARTNERS FACILITIES 4.1 Promotional areas in and around the stadium Facilities for matchnight promotions SIGNAGE FACILITIES 7.1 Working and storage rooms Signage truck parking and security LED boards EXCLUSIVITY AND STADIUM BRANDING 8.1 Exclusive area and delivering a clean stadium Advertising and stadium dressing First-tier LED boards Public address (PA) system Club channels Filming and video analysis for technical purposes Use of technical devices in the technical area Public screening Club media rights UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CLUB MANUAL 2014/15 CONTENTS 7

4 GENERAL SECRETARY S MESSAGE The 23 rd season of the UEFA Champions League is upon us, with this spectacular and attractive competition in the finest of health and destined to reach even higher peaks and create new records in the 2014/15 campaign. We are at the end of the latest three-year cycle I think we can look back with pride at what has been achieved, and look forward with anticipation and excitement to the future. We have achieved an even greater degree of organisational efficiency now that operational aspects of the competition are managed internally by UEFA. There is always room for fine-tuning, however, and this season will bring further operational improvements to ensure that the services offered to the clubs, commercial and broadcast partners remain of the highest quality. It is essential that we do not merely sit back and admire what has gone before. The objective must always be to keep moving forward, look for innovations and guarantee a winning formula for everyone involved. The desire to achieve maximum standards is reflected in this Club Manual, which contains a wealth of information that the participating clubs should familiarise themselves with, to enable their co-operation with UEFA to flourish. We are sure that even clubs who have become regular participants in Europe s blue-riband club competition will consult this manual with the utmost attention because, like UEFA, they are also accustomed to operating professionally and efficiently, on and off the field. The UEFA Champions League is a byword for quality, and the clubs themselves have made a magnificent contribution over the years to the competition s resounding success, together with broadcast and commercial partners. They have realised that the UEFA Champions League brings them numerous sporting and commercial opportunities, and have been splendid partners to work with. We would ask the clubs to take this Club Manual and study every aspect from sporting to commercial, broadcast and media matters even if they are no strangers to the competition, because to be well-prepared is to win half the battle! In addition, there may be clubs who are newcomers to the UEFA Champions League, and a fantastic adventure awaits them. They will certainly enjoy the experience and glean valuable expertise and knowledge from their participation. For them, the club manual is an essential instrument in assisting them to succeed as far as infrastructures and organisation are concerned. They will learn about the invaluable help and advice that UEFA can give them in a variety of areas, and find out about the standards required to be a proud UEFA Champions League club. The guidelines and information contained in this manual are key in ensuring that clubs can achieve the levels of organisation that UEFA requires. This season will again bring us countless wonderful moments for spectators and television viewers. Your club will be in the spotlight in many ways and I would like to wish you all the very best for a successful and rewarding 2014/15 campaign. Gianni Infantino UEFA General Secretary GENERAL SECRETARY S MESSAGE 9

5 1 KEY ELEMENTS OF THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 1.1 USE OF THE MANUAL 1.2 THE COMPETITION 1.3 THE PARTNERSHIP 1.4 OVERVIEW OF THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CONCEPT 1.5 OVERVIEW OF ORGANISATIONAL MATTERS 1

6 1.1 USE OF THE MANUAL 1 KEY ELEMENTS OF THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE This manual sets out operational responsibilities and information for clubs participating in the UEFA Champions League and the preceding play-off matches. It is directly linked to the Regulations of the UEFA Champions League 2014/15. This manual should be used in conjunction with the Regulations of the UEFA Champions League 2014/15, the UEFA Safety and Security Regulations (2006 edition), the UEFA Stadium Infrastructure Regulations (2010 edition), the UEFA Kit Regulations (2012 edition), the UEFA Medical Regulations (2014 edition) and the UEFA Anti-Doping Regulations. These regulations always prevail in the event of conflict with the contents of this manual. Should there be any discrepancies between the above regulations, UEFA reserves the right to decide which one should prevail. This manual should also be used together with the UEFA Champions League Brand Manual if the club has to or wants to produce something independently which includes the UEFA Champions League brand. The brand manual contains all materials required to correctly reproduce the UEFA Champions League logo and production details for all printed materials connected with the UEFA Champions League. This manual is intended solely for internal club purposes. No part of it may be reproduced or transmitted by any process or means without the prior written consent of UEFA. Should you have any questions about the use of this manual, please contact UEFA using the contact details provided in section 17. FREQUENTLY USED TERMS A number of terms are used frequently throughout the manual. For the sake of brevity, the following definitions apply. Terminology UCL UCL broadcaster(s)* Host broadcaster* Main visiting broadcaster* Visiting broadcaster* UCL sponsor/ supplier partner UCL partner Play-off stage Group stage Knockout stage MD Meaning UEFA Champions League (i.e. group stage onwards) An entity licensed by UEFA to broadcast matches via television, internet and/or mobile devices The UCL broadcaster from the country of the home club who is responsible for producing the multilateral feed for a particular match The UCL broadcaster from the country of the visiting club who has the primary rights in that country for a particular match A UCL broadcaster with on-site facilities A company licensed by UEFA to have sponsorship and supply rights in relation to the UEFA Champions League UCL broadcasters and UCL sponsor/ supplier partners who are licensed by UEFA to have commercial rights in relation to the UEFA Champions League All matches played in the play-off stage All matches played in the group stage All matches played in the knockout stage i.e. the round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final. Matchday i.e. any day on which a UCL match is scheduled to be played. The abbreviations MD-1, MD-2 and MD-3 are used to indicate the days leading up to the match, and MD+1 denotes the day after the match UEFA 2014 All rights reserved. * Please note that for the ease of readability, the term broadcaster is used in this manual instead of audiovisual rights holder, as per UEFA regulations. KEY ELEMENTS OF THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 13

7 1.2 THE COMPETITION The 23 rd season of the UEFA Champions League consists of a total of 125 matches between the best European clubs. The winner of the previous season s UEFA Champions League and a total of 21 clubs qualify directly for the group stage as a result of their finishing position in their respective domestic leagues; and a further 10 clubs progress to the group stage via a series of qualifying rounds culminating in play-off matches. Therefore, 32 clubs participate in the group stage, which is then followed by the round of 16, quarter-finals and semi-finals, before the competition concludes with a one-off final in Berlin on 6 June Group stage (32 clubs: 8 groups of 4 clubs; the top 2 clubs from each group advance to the UCL knockout stage and the 8 3rd-placed teams to the UEL knockout stage) Group A Group E MATCHDAY 1 2 v 3 4 v 1 MATCHDAY 4 1 v 3 4 v 2 Knockout stage Round of 16 Quarter-final Quarter-final Quarter-final Quarter-final MATCH SCHEDULE Group B Group F Semi-final Final Group C Group G Semi-final MATCHDAY 2 1 v 2 3 v 4 MATCHDAY 5 Group D Group H 3 v 2 1 v 4 Total 125 matches MATCHDAY 3 3 v 1 2 v 4 MATCHDAY 6 Total 13 matchdays In addition to the two play-off matchdays that form part of the centralised concept, this UEFA Champions League season consists of 13 matchdays, including the final. As a rule, all play-off and UCL matches kick off at 20.45CET (Central European Time) on either a Tuesday or a Wednesday, with the final being played on a Saturday. The sequence of the group stage matches is as follows v 1 4 v 3 KEY DATES Submission of player lists to UEFA For all matches in the first 23 June 2014 (24.00CET) qualifying round For all matches in the second qualifying round For all matches in the third qualifying round For all matches in the play-offs round For all matches from the first match in the group stage up to and including the final For clubs to register three new eligible players for the knockout stage 10 July 2014 (24.00CET) 24 July 2014 (24.00CET) 11 August 2014 (24.00CET) 2 September 2014 (24.00CET) 3 February 2015 (24.00CET) Submission of sample player kits to UEFA For clubs that qualify directly 1 July 2014 (24.00CET) for the play-offs and the group stage For clubs that qualify for the third qualifying round Draws and club workshops 28 July 2014 (24.00CET) Play-offs 8 August 2014 Group stage 28/29 August 2014 Round of December 2014 Quarter-finals 20 March 2015 Semi-finals 24 April 2015 Play-off match dates Play-off round, first leg 19/20 August 2014 Play-off round, second leg 26/27 August 2014 Group stage match dates MD 1 16/17 September 2014 MD 2 30 September/1 October 2014 MD 3 21/22 October 2014 MD 4 4/5 November 2014 MD 5 25/26 November 2014 MD 6 9/10 December 2014 Knockout stage match dates MD 7A 17/18 February 2015 Round of 16, first leg MD 7B Round of 16, first leg MD 8A Round of 16, second leg MD 8B Round of 16, second leg MD 9 Quarter-finals, first leg MD 10 Quarter-finals, second leg MD 11 Semi-finals, first leg MD 12 Semi-finals, second leg MD 13 Final 24/25 February /11 March /18 March /15 April /22 April /6 May /13 May June UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CLUB MANUAL 2014/15 KEY ELEMENTS OF THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 15

8 1.3 THE PARTNERSHIP / The clubs form unique partnerships with UCL partners, allowing the competition to be delivered. Without the close relationship between clubs, UCL broadcasters and UCL sponsor/supplier partners, the success achieved by the UEFA Champions League would not be possible. UEFA controls and conducts the competition and coordinates the three partner groups. In addition, UEFA has appointed the agency TEAM Marketing to secure financial support from the UCL partners. To ensure the success of the competition, everyone must benefit. Clubs must have the opportunity to play on the biggest stage and be financially rewarded for their contribution, while the UCL partners, who provide the competition with worldwide exposure and substantial revenue, benefit from association with an outstanding competition. It is self-evident that no single group can make the concept work; it has to be a partnership. Pre-eminent in this partnership are the clubs, and in UCL matchweeks the clubs must accept that the UCL broadcasters are their broadcasters and the UCL sponsor/supplier partners are their sponsors and supplier partners. The need to correctly embrace and service these partners is paramount, and clubs must recognise that these contractual arrangements come before all local deals which support the clubs in competitions other than the UEFA Champions League. UEFA has pioneered a marketing approach which ensures that the funds raised directly benefit football. This centralised marketing programme also produces clear benefits for clubs, UCL partners and spectators. The benefits for clubs include: exposure on a world-wide stage; a strong revenue stream; participation in a competition with a proven record of organisation and delivery at the highest level. The UEFA Champions League offers UCL broadcasters football of the highest quality with the opportunity to broadcast up to 125 UCL matches, plus 20 play-off matches, providing security of programming with a known calendar. For UCL sponsor/supplier partners, the UEFA Champions League delivers an integrated platform involving event sponsorship, broadcast exposure and association in a product exclusive environment, while the official match ball supplier enjoys an exclusive relationship with the world s best club competition. The clubs are primarily responsible for ensuring that the UCL partners are well catered for and have every opportunity to maximise their relationship with the clubs for the benefit of all, a sentiment which is reflected in the best of the best on the ultimate stage concept. Clubs embrace the UCL concept 16 UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CLUB MANUAL 2014/15 KEY ELEMENTS OF THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 17

9 1.4 OVERVIEW OF THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CONCEPT Exclusive rights form the basis of the commercial concept of the UEFA Champions League. This means that the UCL partners are the only commercial entities who may associate themselves with the competition and run promotions and/or competitions (including ticket promotions) in and around the competition. COMMERCIAL CONCEPT MEDIA RIGHTS As a result of the settlement negotiated between UEFA and the European Commission, the core media rights will continue to be marketed by UEFA on an exclusive basis. UEFA has appointed TEAM Marketing to assist UEFA in this regard. The settlement also stipulates that certain rights notably non-live audiovisual rights will be marketed jointly by UEFA and the clubs. Subject to such agreements, all media rights for the UEFA Champions League will be marketed exclusively by UEFA. Further information on this can be found in section EXCLUSIVITY OF UCL PARTNERS UCL partners have exclusivity before, during and after play-off and UCL matches in the stadium (i.e. from MD-2 to MD+1). At each venue, an exclusive area will be defined by UEFA and the club at the time of the site visit (see section 8.1). The UCL partners are the only companies with commercial rights within this exclusive area for play-off and UCL matches. Clubs will use the products and/or services provided by the UCL sponsor/supplier partners (such as the official match ball) before, during and after matches. For a summary of the products and/or services provided by the UCL sponsor/supplier partners, please refer to section 16. The UCL sponsor/ supplier partners and their product categories may be subject to change upon notification by UEFA. LICENSING UEFA operates an official licensing programme in order to promote the UEFA Champions League, offering unique and authentic souvenirs to fans, and generate revenue for the clubs. Please see section 14.1 for further details. Any commercial exploitation of the UEFA Champions League logo or other UEFA Champions League properties may only take place through a UEFA licensee or a separately negotiated agreement with UEFA. In principle, clubs are not allowed to commercially exploit the UEFA Champions League name and/or logo (or other UEFA and/or UEFA Champions League properties such as the trophy or official anthem). BRAND IDENTITY Of utmost importance for the profile and impact of the UEFA Champions League is the implementation of its brand identity, which reflects the prestigious image of football and is appropriate for a league composed of the best clubs in Europe. This identity, comprising the official UEFA Champions League core brand identity (i.e. its logo, font, colour palette and trophy), the UEFA Champions League visual identity (on-air and off-air) and the official anthem, is applied consistently across all visual and sound media, so that football fans recognise the UEFA Champions League message in the written press, during broadcasts and in the stadium. UEFA Champions League logo The best of the best on the ultimate stage THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE LOGO The UEFA Champions League logo was introduced in 1992 and has since become a globally recognised icon. It is both simple and symbolic a ball made of stars and perfectly captures the essence of the UEFA Champions League: the best of the best on the ultimate stage. In printed form, the UEFA Champions League logo only ever appears in the four official brand colours (black, white, blue and silver) and creates the striking image of a star football. For the correct usage of the logo, please refer to the UEFA Champions League Brand Manual provided to all participating clubs. The UCL Brand Manual is also available online via the UCL brand microsite at All use of the UEFA Champions League logo is subject to prior approval by UEFA. THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ANTHEM The anthem was created to provide a theme to reflect both the grandeur of the ultimate European club football event and the emotion of the live matches. The music blends with all the visual elements of the UEFA Champions League identity, yet makes a powerful and emotive statement of its own. This anthem will always be played during the opening and closing sequences used by the UCL broadcasters, as well as during the countdown to kick-off in all UEFA Champions League stadiums. SEASON DESIGN CONCEPT The season design concept is inspired by the UEFA Champions League brand essence the best of the best on the ultimate stage. Central to the new concept is a ring of huge floodlights which encircle a magnificent football stadium crowned by a silver starball roof. The floodlights illuminate the stadium in a spectacular ceremony of light. This symbolises the spectacle that is created on each UEFA Champions League matchnight. The concept will be applied across all materials produced by UEFA to brand the UEFA Champions League. Clubs will need to use the design concept for specific applications such as tickets or matchday programmes. Clubs will receive details of and artwork for all items that need to incorporate the design concept. 18 UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CLUB MANUAL 2014/15 KEY ELEMENTS OF THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 19

10 1.5 OVERVIEW OF ORGANISATIONAL MATTERS To facilitate cooperation with UEFA, each club must appoint a main contact person for the UEFA Champions League season. This person must fulfil the following requirements: be the first point of contact for UEFA and the club s opponents for administrative and organisational matters; have the full authority of the club s management to decide on operational issues in connection with match organisation; head a local organising committee (LOC) to cooperate on site with the UEFA venue team; attend the club workshops organised throughout the season in connection with the respective draws; attend on-site meetings with the UEFA venue team during site visits and matchweeks; speak and write English fluently. PRE-SEASON FORMATION OF THE LOCAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE (LOC) The LOC must include the following: the club main contact; a person responsible for match operations (if different to the club main contact); a stadium manager; a safety/security officer; a ticketing manager; an English-speaking club press officer (who must assist the UEFA media officer and UCL broadcasters for both home and away matches and arrange an English interpreter if required); a club caterer; a representative of the stadium owner (if required). INVOLVEMENT OF THIRD PARTIES The club is responsible for informing the relevant parties, especially the stadium owner and any leaseholders within and around the stadium, about the rules and regulations for the organisation of play-offs and UCL matches. UEFA may ask the club to sign a special agreement with the relevant parties to ensure that all rights are implemented. If a club does not own the stadium where its play-off and/or UCL matches are played, it ensures that the stadium owner agrees to abide by all relevant obligations in the Regulations of the UEFA Champions League 2014/15 and this club manual. No fees can be charged to UCL partners for usage of any facilities at the stadium. In principle, a club must play all its play-off and UCL matches in the same stadium (unless required or approved to do otherwise by UEFA). SITE VISITS Before the start of the season, UEFA representatives will conduct a site visit during the periods set out in the attached club season planner. Clubs must ensure that: LOC personnel are available; stadium facilities are fully accessible; a meeting room is available with adequate equipment for presentations (screen, projector, etc.); suitable complimentary refreshments are provided. The purpose of the site visit is to: review and identify all facilities required; discuss UCL partners requirements; take decisions on necessary organisational arrangements. For the site visit, there will be a standard meeting schedule: an opening and plenary meeting (with all club representatives and the UEFA venue team); a stadium tour; a stadium infrastructure meeting; a TV meeting (including UCL broadcasters); a signage/led boards meeting (including UEFA signage supplier); a ticketing meeting; a catering meeting; a sponsor meeting (including UCL sponsor/ supplier partners); a media meeting; a closing meeting (with all club representatives and the UEFA venue team). During the season, additional site visits may be required in the event of changes to the stadium, additional requests from UCL broadcasters or any other developments that may affect the organisation of matches. For example, a further UCL broadcaster-specific site visit may be necessary after the draws for the group stage, round of 16, quarter-finals or semi-finals to allow UCL broadcasters to inspect the available facilities as identified at the main site visit, or a specific LED board site visit could take place to inspect the possible board set-up. Any changes to arrangements agreed during the site visit at the beginning of the season require the prior written approval of UEFA. 20 UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CLUB MANUAL 2014/15 KEY ELEMENTS OF THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 21

11 MATCHWEEK REQUIREMENTS MATCHWEEK SCHEDULE Before, during and after each play-off and UCL match, there will be a standard schedule for meetings and activities. The typical schedule, based on the standard kick-off time of 20.45CET, is as follows (all times CET). Time Activity Participants MD Signage supplier unloads truck and commences work Signage supplier Clean stadium to be provided by home club Home club a.m./p.m. UEFA venue team arrives and sets up offices UEFA MD UCL broadcaster trucks arrive UCL broadcasters, home club Club meeting UEFA, home club Television meeting UEFA, home club, UCL broadcasters p.m. Centre circle ceremony rehearsal UEFA, home club p.m. Videoboard/venue feed meeting UEFA, home club p.m. Training and press conferences for both teams UEFA, both clubs p.m. Training for referees UEFA, home club p.m. UEFA delegate arrives at airport Home club p.m. UEFA security officer arrives at airport (if appointed) Home club p.m. Security meeting (if applicable) UEFA, both clubs, police, emergency services p.m. Official dinner (or official lunch on matchday) UEFA, both clubs MD Pitch inspection UEFA, both clubs Organisational meeting UEFA, both clubs, police, emergency services /16.00 End-to-end and camera test UEFA, UCL broadcasters p.m. Accreditation system starts and gates open Home club Television meeting UEFA, home club, UCL broadcasters Dressing room filming UEFA, both clubs, UCL broadcasters Champions Club opens UEFA, home club Team arrivals filming UEFA, both clubs, UCL broadcasters Kick-off UEFA, both clubs Debrief meeting UEFA, home club MD Signage supplier dismantles signage (all day) Signage supplier Champions Club to be available until at least for dismantling of materials Signage supplier, home club For a club s first home UCL match of the season, the arrival of the UEFA representatives and installation of the UEFA Champions League offices and equipment may begin as early as the previous Friday for a Tuesday match or Sunday for a Wednesday match. In addition, the signage supplier will arrive a day earlier than usual before the match to begin setting up, on either Saturday or Sunday. Otherwise, the regular meeting schedule for the club s first home match will be as shown. MEETINGS The following official meetings take place during the week of the match: Club meeting Participants (UEFA venue team and LOC) discuss all organisational matters. Television meeting (MD-1) Participants establish all UCL broadcaster requirements, production plans and procedures. Security meeting (if applicable) Participants discuss all matters related to the overall security concept. Chaired by the UEFA delegate or UEFA security officer and must include security staff and police from both clubs, other emergency services, stadium management and any other relevant parties involved in safety and security operations at the match. Issues for discussion include, in particular, travel, ticketing, access controls and segregation, as well as the command and control model and risk assessment, including numbers of police and stewards, and fire and medical services required. Organisational meeting Participants discuss all matters related to the match organisation. Chaired by the UEFA delegate and must include staff from both clubs, emergency services, stadium management and any other relevant parties involved in the match organisation. Issues for discussion include kit colours, refereeing matters (with both clubs guaranteeing the presence of one team official that is seated on the substitutes bench during the match), security, safety and transport, the match sheet procedure and countdown to kick-off. Television meeting (MD) Participants discuss all TV matters. Participants provide information regarding commentary positions and pre- and postmatch television activities. Includes representatives and/or commentators from all participating UCL broadcasters. Other issues for discussion include general broadcasting matters, such as the countdown to kick-off and UCL broadcaster production plans. Debrief meeting Participants (UEFA venue team and LOC) review the various issues surrounding the match. Participants agree on solutions to implement for the next match or in the future. Arrangements are discussed for the next matchday. 22 UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CLUB MANUAL 2014/15 23

12 TRAINING SESSIONS The day before the match, weather and conditions permitting, the visiting club is allowed to train on the pitch on which the match will be played. Furthermore, referees may ask to have a light training session in the stadium the evening before the match, as long as this does not interfere with the clubs training sessions. For the visiting club and referees training sessions, the home club must ensure that: dressing rooms are available; the pitch is accessible; the pitch is in good condition (as for matchnight); floodlights are switched on (if necessary); equipment such as spare goals, official match balls and cones is provided (if requested by the visiting club in advance); the necessary security measures are taken; the minimum medical requirements are implemented as per the UEFA Medical Regulations, i.e. an ALS ambulance, a qualified emergency doctor and all required pitchside emergency medical equipment must be present pitchside throughout the period that the teams are at the venue for their respective training sessions. These requirements should also apply through the period that the referees are at the venue for their training session, provided that their training session starts within a reasonable period from the end of a team training session. Refreshments should be made available upon request. The two clubs will agree in advance on service and any potential costs involved. If holding a training session could render the pitch unfit for playing the match, UEFA reserves the right to cancel any training sessions in the stadium. The home club should then provide an alternative training ground approved by UEFA in advance (see section 2.5 for specific requirements). If the visiting team is not holding its training session at the stadium but would like to do a stadium walk-around, this has to be announced by the visiting team by the Thursday prior to matchweek. In principle such a request must be accommodated by the home club. PRE- AND POST-MATCH ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING COUNTDOWN TO KICK-OFF The home club must seek the cooperation of the local police to ensure the safety and timely arrival of the visiting team and referees when travelling to the stadium in order to guarantee the smooth running of the match. Safety arrangements are also required when travelling back from the stadium after the match. Clubs must reserve a specific area for the referees pre-match warm-up. To protect the interests of UCL broadcasters, all clubs must respect the standard countdown to kick-off, which will apply at all play-off and UCL matches. The specific timings of the countdown to kick-off, based on the standard kick-off time of 20.45CET and including details of the usual pre-match ceremony, are given below. In the context of campaigns run by UEFA throughout the season (e.g. No To Racism campaign), certain additional activities may be incorporated into the standard countdown to kick-off. Referees warm-up area Pre- and post-match activities, including countdown to kick-off (all times CET) (approximately) Dressing room filming (subject to the prior agreement of the relevant club) (latest) UEFA delegate arrives (latest) Referees arrive (latest) Teams arrive and submit official match sheet Start of warm-up period on the pitch 20.35* Teams return to dressing rooms 20.35** Pitch watering (if applicable) 20.37** Centre circle carriers assemble on pitch 20.39* Teams leave dressing rooms for studs check (in tunnel) 20.41* Teams exit onto the pitch, accompanied by UCL walk-on music Teams line up facing the honorary tribune Centre circle carriers pick up centre circle and wave UCL anthem starts when players line up Centre circle is carried off pitch Teams shake hands and break for team photos Team photos (featuring players wearing playing kit only) Coin toss (referees and captains) Kick-off (UEFA venue director and referee to ensure exact time) (approximately) Half-time * Teams leave dressing rooms Kick-off (second half) after exactly 15 minutes break (approximately) Full time Later Post-match broadcaster and media activities Later Referees depart Later Teams depart Later UEFA delegate departs * The exact timing of the end of the warm-up period, teams leaving dressing rooms and teams exit onto the pitch is adapted by the UEFA venue director on the basis of the distance between the dressing rooms and the pitch. ** If pitch watering takes place, the exact timing of the pitch watering and assembly of the centre circle carriers is adapted by the UEFA venue director accordingly. 24 UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CLUB MANUAL 2014/15 KEY ELEMENTS OF THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 25

13 PERSONNEL A number of representatives of UEFA and other third parties will attend matches to liaise with the clubs and UCL partners. The following table identifies these persons and provides information on their role and any special requirements for their visit. Personnel Function Ticket and liaison UEFA President, presidential Special UEFA attendee VIP ticket provided by club delegate or general secretary UEFA delegate Overall authority for all aspects of match organisation VIP ticket and liaison provided by club UEFA security officer (if appointed) UEFA doping control officer (if appointed) UEFA technical observer (if appointed) UEFA referees Deals with all matters related to security Deals with all matters related to antidoping procedures Reviews technical aspects of the match Official referee together with two assistant referees, the fourth official and the two additional assistant referees (AARs) VIP ticket and liaison provided by club VIP ticket provided by club; UEFA to provide liaison VIP ticket provided by club Liaison provided by national association of home club UEFA referee observer Deals with all matters related to refereeing VIP ticket provided by club; liaison provided by national association of home club UEFA referee liaison officer UEFA referees physiotherapist UEFA venue director (VD) UEFA media officer (MO) UEFA venue operations and broadcast manager (VOBM) UEFA venue services and sponsorship manager (VSSM) UEFA venue data coordinator (VDC) Signage supplier LED supplier Graphics supplier Local assistants Provides assistance to the UEFA referees and the UEFA referee observer Provides physiotherapy services to the UEFA referees; the physiotherapist, independent of the clubs, is organised by the national association of the home club Responsible for the overall implementation of the competition on site and main contact person for the clubs, UEFA delegate and referees, with focus on competition and sporting matters Implements the appropriate media services and facilities Implementation of the UCL commercial concept regarding UCL broadcaster facilities/activities and signage operations Implementation of the UCL commercial concept regarding UCL sponsor/supplier promotions and hospitality Compiles official match statistics Provides and sets up UCL branding elements and advertising boards Provides and sets up UCL LED boards Provides and sets up on-screen computer graphics and information services Assist with transport, hospitality and office management Ticket (in direct vicinity of the UEFA referee observer) provided by club Ticket provided at club s discretion Transport Provided by UEFA or club as agreed Provided by club for duration of stay Provided by club for duration of stay Provided by club post-match Provided by UEFA Provided by national association of home club Provided by national association of home club Provided by national association of home club N/A At club s discretion At club s discretion At club s discretion At club s discretion Provided by UEFA Provided by UEFA Provided by UEFA Provided by UEFA N/A 26 UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CLUB MANUAL 2014/15 KEY ELEMENTS OF THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 27

14 2 GENERAL STADIUM FACILITIES 2.1 OVERVIEW OF REQUIRED FACILITIES 2.2 ACCESS TO FACILITIES 2.3 SECURITY 2.4 ACCESS TO FACILITIES FOR SPECTATORS WITH DISABILITIES 2.5 THE PITCH 2.6 TECHNICAL FACILITIES 2.7 RETRACTABLE ROOFS 2.8 POWER, LIGHTING AND UTILITIES 2.9 SCOREBOARDS, VIDEOBOARDS AND INTERNAL STADIUM TV CHANNEL 2.10 UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE OFFICES 2.11 MEETING ROOMS 2.12 PARKING 2

15 2.1 OVERVIEW OF REQUIRED FACILITIES The table below provides a brief summary of the facilities required for play-off and UCL matches and shows the increase in demands as the competition progresses. Further details and explanations are set out in sections 2 to 7 of this manual. GENERAL STADIUM FACILITIES (section 2) Area Play-offs Group stage Round of 16 Quarter-finals Semi-finals 2 GENERAL STADIUM FACILITIES Stadium Pitch (section 2.5) Technical facilities (section 2.6) Power (section 2.8) Floodlighting (section 2.8) Internet and telephone (section 2.8) Offices (section 2.10) Must meet the structural criteria for a category 4 stadium according to UEFA Stadium Infrastructure Regulations (2010 edition) Must be in excellent condition and measure 105m x 68m An alternative training ground must be available for training sessions (if holding a training session in the stadium could render the pitch unfit for playing the match) First-class dressing rooms for teams and referees Doping control station located near the teams dressing rooms Room for the UEFA delegate located near the teams and referees dressing rooms High-quality substitutes benches to accommodate 14 persons Up to five additional technical seats at least five metres behind or to the side of the substitutes benches A medical room dedicated to players and referees close to the dressing rooms In addition, clubs must provide specific levels of power for certain broadcast facilities (pitch view studios, indoor studios, flash interview positions and/or pitchside presentation positions) N/A EV (lux) 1, A 3-phase/275 kva for LED boards; existing power (including backup power) must be provided free of charge Minimum level of 1,500 EV (lux) on horizontal and vertical planes Internet connections must be available in the UCL offices, UEFA delegates room and certain media areas (media working room, media tribune, photographers working area and pitchside positions) Internet requested for commentary positions N/A High-speed internet connection line for the LED controller, either in the commentary or pitchside position Clubs are required to order international telephone, fax, IDSN and ADSL lines for UEFA offices and the UEFA delegate s room The installation costs for these phones will be assumed by the club, with call charges borne by the relevant user Minimum of 100m 2 of functional office space for UCL office Two fast colour copy machines must also be provided, including technical assistance Meeting rooms (section 2.11) Room(s) for club, TV and organisational meetings, to accommodate up to 40 persons Parking (section 2.12) 60 parking spaces in prime position 180 parking spaces in prime position These parking spaces must be provided free of charge and are for the use of UEFA and UCL Partners only In addition to the requirements above, the club must provide up to ten parking spaces free of charge for the official UEFA Champions League cars GENERAL STADIUM FACILITIES 31

16 TICKETING AND HOSPITALITY (section 3) Area Play-offs Group stage Round of 16 Quarter-finals Semi-finals UEFA and UCL partner tickets (section 3.1) VIP tickets First-class complimentary tickets First-class purchase tickets Second-class purchase tickets Third-class purchase tickets Hospitality (section 3.1) VIP hospitality Access to home club s VIP hospitality for VIP ticket holders Champions Club None At least 400m 2 open and usable space near VIP/first-class complimentary seats Visiting tickets (section 3.2) VIP tickets 20 (including access to relevant hospitality area) First-class purchase tickets Visiting club supporters 200 (location to be agreed between clubs) At least 5% of official UEFA stadium capacity (defined as the total capacity of all seats (including corporate, VIP, season ticket, etc.) once seats killed for segregation and camera positions have been deducted) UCL SPONSOR/SUPPLIER PARTNERS FACILITIES (Section 4) Promotional areas (section 4.1) Matchnight promotions (section 4.2) Space within the stadium-owned area for promotions by UCL sponsor/ supplier partners and licensee partners. In principle, at least two separate areas, one of 17m x 6m and one of 8m x 5m Space within the stadium-owned area for promotions by UCL sponsor/supplier partners and licensee partners. In principle, at least three separate areas one of 17m x 6m and two of 8m x 5m Appropriate changing facilities within the stadium for any UCL sponsor/supplier partners activities (e.g. player escort promotion) UCL BROADCASTER FACILITIES (Section 5) Area Play-offs Group stage Round of 16 Quarter-finals Semi-finals Camera positions (section 5.2) Commentary positions (section 5.3) Pitch reporter positions (section 5.4) Indoor studios (section 5.5) Pitch view studios (section 5.5) Flash interview positions (section 5.6) Super flash interview positions (section 5.6) Pitchside presentation areas (section 5.7) TV compound (and separate uplink area if required) (section 5.8) Tracking system (section 5.9) Observer tickets (section 5.12) HB office (section 5.13) Main cameras Pitchside halfway camera 16m cameras Behind-goal cameras Beauty-shot camera Bench camera High behind-goal cameras Reverse-angle cameras Mini-cameras Tunnel cameras Crane cameras 6m cameras Rail cameras Steadicams Hot-head cameras 20m cameras Aerial cameras ENG cameras 2 positions with a clear view of the substitutes benches and additional positions behind goals At least 2 At least 3 At least 1 studio with an unobstructed view of the pitch At least 4 At least areas of 15m x 3m (on either side of the substitutes benches) At least 1,000m 2 of usable space (and minimum of six uplinks in any separate uplink area) An ADSL line for UEFA s graphics supplier. The installation and usage costs of the ADSL will be assumed by the club The minimum upload and download speed should be 512Kb/sec in upload and 1Mb in download. The internet connection can be DHCP or fixed IP address. In case of DHCP we need a 24 hours lease of the IP released by the provider router Space for the installation of a statistical data collection system Small office for the HB, if requested At least 2,300m 2 of usable space (including minimum of ten uplinks in any separate uplink area) An ADSL line for UEFA s graphics supplier. The installatin and usage costs of the ADSL will be assumed by the club The minimum upload and download speed should be 512Kb/sec in upload and 1Mb in download. The internet connection can be DHCP or fixed IP address. In case of DHCP we need a 24 hours lease of the IP released by the provider router 32 UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CLUB MANUAL 2014/15 GENERAL STADIUM FACILITIES 33

17 MEDIA FACILITIES (Section 6) Area Play-offs Group stage Round of 16 Quarter-finals Semi-finals Minimum positions in media working area (section 6.1) Minimum press seats in the media tribune (section 6.2) Minimum seats in press conference room (section 6.3) Minimum audio split box outputs in press conference room (section 6.3) Camera platform in press conference room (section 6.3) Mixed zone (section 6.4) Photographers working area (section 6.5) Storage room for non-rights-holders (section 6.7) (at least 70 with desks) 200 (at least 100 with desks) Platform for minimum 16 cameras To accommodate at least 50 journalists, including UCL broadcasters, non-rights-holding broadcasters, audio reporters and written press To accommodate at least 25 photographers Yes SIGNAGE FACILITIES (Section 7) Area Play-offs Group stage Round of 16 Quarter-finals Semi-finals Working and storage room (section 7.1) Signage truck parking (section 7.2) LED truck parking (section 7.3) Secure and lockable room of minimum 100m 2 with forklift access Secure parking area for a 14m truck from MD-3 until MD+1 Additional 40m 2 storage room for LED boards Additional secure parking area for a 14m truck from MD-3 until MD ACCESS TO FACILITIES MATCHWEEK SCHEDULE The signage truck (as referred to in section 7.2) will usually arrive on site on MD-3 and depart on MD+1. During its time at the stadium, it must be fully secured by the home club. As of the round of 16, an additional signage truck for LED boards will arrive on site on MD-3 and depart on MD+1. A fully secured parking area must also be provided for this vehicle. Full access to the stadium facilities must be provided from on MD-2 until on MD+1, and the home club must provide a clean stadium from on MD-2 (see also section 8.1). During this time, the home club makes arrangements to ensure that there is no interference with the setting-up or dismantling of UEFA Champions League materials. MATCH ON MD-2 On an exceptional basis, and provided that prior written approval has been received from UEFA, it may be that the home club has a domestic match on MD-2 that cannot be rearranged. In such a case, the club in question must ensure that there is minimal interference with the setting up of the UEFA Champions League materials. The following minimum facilities must be available and fully secured from on MD-2: UCL offices and storage; signage working room; signage truck parking; LED truck parking (knockout stage); LED storage room (knockout stage). Full access to all stadium facilities must then be provided by three hours after the end of the match on MD-2 at the latest. Clubs may be required to provide lighting in the stadium and security so that installation work can continue during the night. Clubs must provide a clean stadium by on MD-1 rather than MD-2 as is usually the case. 34 UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CLUB MANUAL 2014/15 GENERAL STADIUM FACILITIES 35

18 2.3 SECURITY 2.4 ACCESS TO FACILITIES FOR SPECTATORS WITH DISABILITIES Clubs are responsible for all security aspects involved in the organisation of play-off and UCL matches, including control of the pitch and dressing room areas. This section highlights some key issues; full details are set out in the UEFA Safety and Security Regulations (2006 edition) and the UEFA Stadium Infrastructure Regulations (2010 edition). Clubs ensure that all gates and emergency exits are kept free of any obstruction that could impede the flow of spectators. The most sophisticated anti-counterfeiting measures must be incorporated into match tickets. All police, security forces and stewards on duty in and around the stadium must be familiar with these measures in order to facilitate the rapid identification of any counterfeit tickets. Modern electronic access controls and mechanical counting systems must be installed, delivering real-time analysis of data on crowd flows and spectator attendance. Clubs must provide any signage required to guide visiting club supporters in the relevant language. This includes ground rules, which must be clearly displayed both inside and outside the stadium. In addition, ground rules relating to prohibited items must be displayed at points of entry in the form of internationally recognised pictograms. Clubs must provide one entrance allowing accredited cameras access to the stadium. Only accredited UCL broadcasters may be allowed access. All non-rights-holding broadcasters must be guided to the specially designated room to deposit cameras (as specifically referred to in sections 6.7 and 12.2). The general public must not enter the stadium with cameras or filming equipment that can record professional-quality moving pictures. Clubs must ensure the communication of this policy to the general public and implement appropriate checking systems at entrance gates and within the stadium. Clubs provide security for seating areas for UCL partners, UCL broadcasters and media commentary positions, and for all other UCL broadcaster and media facilities (e.g. TV compound, broadcast studios, camera positions, and interview and presentation positions). TELEVISION SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM The stadium used by the club for its matches must be equipped (both inside and outside) with a permanent television surveillance system. PUBLIC ADDRESS (PA) SYSTEM The PA system must be operational during all matches and must not be affected by any failure of the main power supply. It will be used to announce stadium activities, to deliver the UEFA pre-match announcement and to play the UEFA Champions League walkon music and UEFA Champions League anthem before play-off and UCL matches. In addition, it may be used at any time to convey messages from UEFA or local authorities (e.g. security announcements). Information on the operational procedures for the PA system during matches can be found in section This section highlights the key issues with regard to access for supporters with disabilities as set out in Article 22 of the UEFA Stadium Infrastructure Regulations (2010 edition). The stadium must have dedicated access points and seats for spectators with disabilities and their helpers. Persons with disabilities must have dedicated sanitary facilities, as well as refreshment and catering facilities nearby. There must be at least one disabled toilet for every 15 wheelchair users. Furthermore, UEFA and the Centre for Access to Football in Europe (CAFE) have issued a Good Practice Guide to Creating an Accessible Stadium and Matchday Experience, which details good practices for both new and existing stadiums and sets out UEFA s standards for matchday services and facilities as regards supporters with disabilities. Clubs are encouraged to follow the recommendations in this guide, which offers practical solutions with a view to deliver stadiums accessible, inclusive and welcoming for all. 36 UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CLUB MANUAL 2014/15 GENERAL STADIUM FACILITIES 37

19 2.5 THE PITCH PITCH CONDITIONS The pitch must be in excellent playing condition. In the event of concerns relating to the condition of the pitch, UEFA may decide to conduct additional inspections. Such inspections may be conducted by UEFA or an external partner company. Further to such inspections, the cost of the provision of expert guidance or material by an external partner company is to be assumed by the club concerned in line with its responsibilities under Article of the Regulations for the UEFA Champions League 2014/15. The day before the match, weather and conditions permitting, clubs are allowed to train on the pitch on which the match will be played. In the event of concerns for the pitch, UEFA has the right to move one or both training sessions (visiting team given priority for training at the stadium). Alternatively, both training sessions may be allowed at the stadium but limited to certain areas of the pitch. If holding a training session could render the pitch unfit for the match, an alternative training ground approved in advance by UEFA must be made available by the home club. This alternative training ground should have the same type of surface as the pitch used for the match, be in excellent condition with sufficient floodlighting, be in a safe and protected environment and have appropriate dressing room facilities. The home club must ensure that all necessary measures are taken to guarantee the smooth running of the match. It should, in particular, ensure the availability of: equipment (e.g. brushes) to assist with the draining of the pitch in case of heavy rain; equipment (e.g. blowers, brushes and shovels) to clear the pitch in case of snow; sufficient personnel to react to unexpected adverse weather conditions. A club can change the surface of its pitch from natural grass to artificial turf or vice versa once during the season. This change must occur after the end of the group stage. Such requests must be submitted to the UEFA administration by 1 December 2014 and the new pitch must be in place 30 days prior to the first match in the round of 16. UEFA reserves the right to inspect the pitch before approval. GRASS HEIGHT, CUTTING AND PITCH MARKING For natural grass pitches, the height of the grass should ideally be between 20mm and 30mm. The height of the grass may not, in principle, exceed 30mm, and the entire playing surface must be cut to the same height. The height of the grass should be the same for both the training session and the match. If deemed necessary by the referee or a UEFA match officer, the home club may be requested to cut the grass for the match and training sessions. The grass should be cut in straight lines, across the width of the pitch, perpendicular to the touch line. The bands should be of equal and regular width over the entire pitch. No other form of grass cutting (chequerboard, diagonal, circles, etc.) is recommended. If a stadium is not equipped with the machinery needed to create special grass-cutting effects, the pitch must remain uniform in appearance and free of shading or any other stylistic effects. No markings other than those of the football pitch dimensions authorised by UEFA should be visible on the pitch (i.e. no rugby field markings, national football pitch markings, etc.). SAFETY AROUND THE PITCH Clubs ensure that the area immediately adjacent to the pitch is safe for players and referees. Clubs may be asked by UEFA to ensure that this is the case. Additional carpet installed to ensure safety of the players and the referees MOVEABLE PITCH In stadiums with a moveable pitch, the club ensures that the pitch is in position by the morning of MD-2 at the latest. Pitch preparation 38 UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CLUB MANUAL 2014/15 GENERAL STADIUM FACILITIES 39

20 2.6 TECHNICAL FACILITIES 2.7 RETRACTABLE ROOFS Clubs have to provide first-class technical facilities to ensure that players and referees can carry out their activities in comfort and safety. This section highlights some key facilities; further details are set out in the UEFA Stadium Infrastructure Regulations (2010 edition). TEAMS DRESSING ROOMS Two first-class dressing rooms must be provided for the teams. As a minimum, each dressing room must contain: changing facilities for 25 people; five showers and three individual seated toilets; a massage table and a tactical board. REFEREES DRESSING ROOM The stadium must be equipped with a high-quality referees dressing room measuring at least 20m² and able to accommodate at least six people. The dressing room must contain: changing facilities for six people; two showers and one individual seated toilet; a desk with two seats. DOPING CONTROL STATION A doping control station must be provided near the teams dressing rooms. It must be at least 20m² and comprise a waiting room, a testing room and a toilet, all adjoining. The waiting room must contain sufficient seating for eight people, clotheshanging facilities and a refrigerator. The testing room must contain a table, four chairs, a sink with running water and a cabinet. The toilet area must include a seated toilet, a sink with running water and, if possible, a shower. UEFA DELEGATE S ROOM Clubs must also provide a room for the UEFA delegate in the direct vicinity of the teams and referees dressing rooms. The UEFA delegate s room must be equipped with a chair, a table and communication facilities such as phone, fax and internet connections. SUBSTITUTES BENCHES The stadium must be equipped with two covered substitutes benches of high quality at pitch level, each with seating for 14 people. Substitutes bench TECHNICAL SEATS Up to five additional technical seats are allowed for club staff providing technical support to the teams during the match (kit manager, assistant physiotherapist, etc.). Registered players are not permitted to sit in the technical seats. The location of such seats is subject to the approval of UEFA. It must be outside the technical area and at least five metres behind or to the side of the benches, but with access to the dressing rooms. The names and functions of all these persons must be listed on the match sheet. MEDICAL ROOM An emergency medical room for the sole use of players, referees, team officials and match officers is a mandatory requirement for all matches. This medical room must be located close to the dressing rooms (on the same level) and must be equipped with the mandatory items of equipment and medication as set out in the UEFA Medical Regulations (2014 edition). Clubs must inform UEFA of any constraints preventing the roof from being closed in specific conditions (e.g. strong wind or rain/snow, or the fact that the roof cannot be closed when people are inside the stadium). Should closing the roof result in seat kills or view obstructions, this should be anticipated as it would not be considered reason enough not to close the roof if the weather so required. On MD-1, if necessary UEFA may require the home club to open or close the stadium roof. Consideration is given only to the prevailing weather and not the conditions likely on matchday. On matchday, the UEFA delegate, in consultation with the referee, decides whether a stadium s retractable roof will be open or closed during play. 2.8 POWER, LIGHTING AND UTILITIES Existing power (including backup power), lighting, water and general utilities at the stadium must be provided free of charge by the home club within the stadium areas used for the organisation of play-off and UCL matches, including in the following areas: UCL/host broadcaster offices UCL broadcaster facilities media facilities signage/led supplier working and storage areas hospitality areas UCL sponsor/supplier partner promotional areas This decision must be announced at the organisational meeting, although it may subsequently be altered by the UEFA delegate at any time prior to kick-off (again, in consultation with the referee) if the weather conditions change. If the match starts with the roof closed, it must remain closed for the entire match. If the match starts with the roof open, only the referee has the authority to order its closure during the match, subject to any applicable laws issued by a competent state authority. Such a decision may only be taken if the weather conditions deteriorate significantly. If the referee does order the closure of the roof during the match, it must remain closed until the final whistle. POWER In addition to the general requirement for the home club to provide power for all broadcast and media facilities, clubs are required to provide a specific level of power to certain broadcast facilities, and these requirements are set out fully in section Additionally, a specific level of power is requested for the LED boards during the knockout stage, for which detailed requirements are set out in section 7.3. DATA LINE For the knockout stage, a redundant single-mode fibre-optic cable is required for the LED boards. Detailed requirements are set out in section UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CLUB MANUAL 2014/15 GENERAL STADIUM FACILITIES 41