Nottingham Forest could be forced to play next Europa league game at neutral venue due to little-known uefa rule

Nottingham Forest could be forced to play one of their upcoming UEFA Europa League matches at a neutral venue due to a little-known rule in UEFA’s club competition regulations. This stems from scheduling conflicts in cities hosting multiple European fixtures on the same matchday.

UEFA’s guidelines prohibit more than one club from playing a home game in the same city—or within a 50km radius—on the same evening during the league phase and knockout stages. This “one game per city” principle aims to avoid logistical issues, fan overlaps, and security challenges. A similar situation has affected other English clubs in the past, such as when Chelsea faced potential relocation due to clashes with London rivals in Champions League fixtures.

For Nottingham Forest, who returned to European competition in the 2025/26 season after over three decades, their home games at the historic City Ground could be impacted if another Premier League side (or nearby club) is scheduled for a Europa League or Champions League match on the same night. Forest currently sit mid-table in the league phase with a solid record, including notable results like a draw at Real Betis and wins at home.

The City Ground, with its capacity and riverside location, meets UEFA’s Category 4 structural criteria required for Europa League matches from the league phase onward. However, the rule overrides stadium approval if a scheduling clash occurs. Clubs must identify alternative venues in advance, often leading to neutral grounds elsewhere in the country or region to preserve the “home” advantage as much as possible.

This scenario highlights UEFA’s strict coordination of the calendar across competitions. Forest fans might see a big European night shifted away from Nottingham, reducing the iconic atmosphere that has boosted the Reds this season. While no specific clash has been confirmed yet for their remaining fixtures, the possibility remains as the league phase concludes and potential knockouts loom.

Ultimately, the rule ensures fair and safe competition but could deny Forest the full benefit of home support in a campaign marking their exciting European revival.