The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has given its approval for Serie A teams to have a sleeve sponsor on their playing shirts, reports, www.sportspromedia.com/.

The Calico e Finanza soccer finance website says that the request was made by all clubs during one of the last meetings with the FIGC.

The move means that in addition to a front-of-shirt and back-of-shirt sponsor, Italian clubs will be permitted to sell a space of 100cm2 on the left sleeve of their shirts, although it has not yet been confirmed when the new inventory will open up to brands.

An official statement from Serie A added further details, saying: "Sponsorship advertising is allowed on the front of the shirt, on the back of the shirt (under the number) and on the left sleeve of the shirt; the total area occupied by advertising must not exceed 650 cm2."