Picture Credit: UEFA
In a big decision, UEFA has abolished the away goals rule in all of their competitions starting this coming season. A UEFA Executive Committee approved the proposal to remove the away goals rule from all UEFA club competitions from the start of the 2021-22 season. From next season onwards, ties in which the two teams score the same number of goals over the two legs will now have two 15-minute periods of extra time, and, if required, penalty kicks.
The away goals rule has been part of UEFA competitions since it was introduced in 1965. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said the decision to abolish away goals was not unanimous, but there was a preference for the rule to no longer be implemented.
Here's the official announcement:
Aleksander Ceferin said, "The away goals rule has been an intrinsic part of UEFA competitions since it was introduced in 1965."
"However, the question of its abolition has been debated at various UEFA meetings over the last few years. Although there was no unanimity of views, many coaches, fans and other football stakeholders have questioned its fairness and have expressed a preference for the rule to be abolished."
The rule change will affect the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League competitions. The rule will be applicable from the qualifying stages of the 2021-22 season's tournaments. The match between Celtic vs Midtjylland in second qualifying round of Champions League could be the first match, which will be subject to the new rule.