The first round of the 2002–03 UEFA Cup was contested between 17 September and 3 October 2002.
The team that scored more goals on aggregate over the two legs advanced to the next round.
If the aggregate score was level, the away goals rule was applied, i.e., the team that scored more goals away from home over the two legs advanced.
If away goals were also equal, then thirty minutes of extra time were played, divided into two fifteen-minute halves.
The away goals rule was again applied after extra time, i.e., if there were goals scored during extra time and the aggregate score was still level, the visiting team advanced by virtue of more away goals scored.
If no goals were scored during extra time, the tie was decided by penalty shoot-out.
[2][1] Notes The draw was held on 30 August 2002 in Monaco.
The first team to be drawn played the first leg at home.
3–3 on aggregate; Viktoria Žižkov won on away goals.
4–4 on aggregate; Amica Wronki won on away goals.
5–5 on aggregate; Anorthosis Famagusta won on away goals.
4–4 on aggregate; Blackburn Rovers won on away goals.