UEFA positions itself: are the days of the away goals rule numbered?


UEFA positions itself
Are the days of the away goals rule numbered?

For decades it has been the case that those who score more goals away from home have better cards in competitions such as the Champions or Europa League. But last but not least, the coronavirus pandemic is increasingly calling the meaning of this rule into question. UEFA is now considering a change.

The abolition of the away goal rule in the European Football Cup is getting closer. As the dpa reports, the European Football Union’s Club Competitions Commission has issued a corresponding recommendation. The Executive Committee of the Continental Federation must decide on a final rule change at its next meeting.

The away goals rule was introduced in 1965. It is used in the Champions League and the Europa League when both teams have scored the same number of goals in knockout matches after the return leg. According to the previous regulation, the team that has scored more away goals then comes next. This rule is now viewed critically by numerous top officials, writes the British newspaper “Times”.

Even neutral venues or games without spectators during the coronavirus pandemic have therefore led to the realization that the rule is out of date. So far, the away goals rule has also been used in UEFA national team competitions. In the playoffs for the European Championship qualification, for example, home and return games are also played.

In German football, the relegation games also take place according to the so-called European Cup system. Until 1991 there was a play-off when it was tied after two total games. Since the relegation was reintroduced for the 2008/09 season, the away goals rule has been in effect. The UEFA rules are not binding for the decision on promoted and relegated players in national football.

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