The problem of H ∞ static output feedback sliding mode control for a class of nonlinear delay systems with normbounded uncertainties and external disturbance is considered in this paper. Based on Linear matrix inequality approach, a new approach is given to design the static output feedback sliding mode surface. Then, a sliding mode controller is obtained which make the systems states reach the sliding mode surface in finite time. All the conditions are expressed in terms of LMI. Finally, a numerical example is given to demonstrate the validity of the results.