This archive report was first published on 24 June 2021.
On June 24, 2021, UEFA announced a significant change to its club competitions, abolishing the away goals rule that had been in place since the 1965-66 season.
The away goals rule, which was introduced to give teams that scored more goals away from home an advantage in two-legged ties, has been criticized for being unfair and dissuading home teams from attacking.
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin explained the decision, stating, "The impact of the rule now runs counter to its original purpose as, in fact, it now dissuades home teams – especially in first legs – from attacking, because they fear conceding a goal that would give their opponents a crucial advantage."
He also noted that the rule was unfair, especially in extra time, as it required home teams to score twice when the away team had scored.
Under the new system, two 15-minute periods of extra time will be played at the end of the second leg, followed by a penalty shoot-out if the teams are still tied.
The decision was taken by UEFA's Executive Committee following the recommendation of its Club Competitions Committee and the Women's Football Committee.
