Champions League: Why the away goals rule was scrapped

Away goals were removed from Uefa competitions in June 2021.

The rule change was made as a result of recommendations from the Uefa Club Competitions Committee and the Uefa Women’s Football Committee.

European knockout ties that finish level after both legs head to extra time and then penalties.

Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin questioned the rule’s fairness and believed it discouraged home teams – especially in first legs – from attacking.

“The away goals rule has been an intrinsic part of Uefa competitions since it was introduced in 1965,” said Ceferin.

“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 expressed a preference for the rule to be abolished.”