Bizarre UEFA rule forces Arsenal to change Emirates Stadium name for Champions League clashes

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Arsenal are back in Champions League action for the 2025/26 season, as the club look to go one step further than the previous campaign to win the whole competition.

Last season saw Arsenal knocked out at the semi-final stage by PSG, having got past the likes of Real Madrid in prior rounds.

Now, with a rejuvenated squad hungry for success, Mikel Arteta is readying his team for another long campaign.

It all restarts in the Champions League league phase, where teams will look to qualify in an overall table format against every other team.

The Gunners will be keen on a top-eight finish, which would guarantee them a place in the round of 16 without the need for two knockout matches before it.

With four home games to help Arsenal on their way, it’ll be key that they pick up points against some tough opposition.

However, there is a slight change to the Emirates Stadium that fans may well notice, ahead of their games there.

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UEFA rule forces Arsenal to change the Emirates Stadium name to the Arsenal Stadium

As Arsenal prepare for their first home Champions League game of the 2025/26 season, fans may spot a change at the ground.

It’s only a slight change, but one that will see the Emirates Stadium name switch to being called the “Arsenal Stadium” instead.

This will likely impact broadcasters, who won’t be able to call it by the sponsorship name, while tickets may switch, but are allowed to use sponsors if it helps to differentiate it from other stadia.

All of this is due to UEFA rules surrounding stadium sponsorship, which don’t allow for them to be associated with the sponsors.

It means a change of name for Arsenal, but they aren’t the only ones, as rivals Manchester City also have to change from the Etihad Stadium.

It marks the most minor of changes in bizarre circumstances for the Gunners.

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What Arsenal’s home record was in the Champions League last season

Arsenal’s home form will be key, as was seen in last season’s Champions League, which included seven matches at the Emirates Stadium.

In those clashes, there were five wins, one draw and one defeat at home, with the Gunners doing well, especially in the league phase.

A victory over Real Madrid in the first leg at home in the quarter-final demonstrated just how important it was to perform at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal will be hoping for more of that this time around, as they look to win the whole competition.