UEFA announced on Thursday that the away goals rule in European tournament knockout ties will be abolished from the 2021-22 season.
The rule, which was in force since 1965, was used to determine a winner when teams were level on aggregate after a two-legged match. The team that scored more goals from the away side was awarded the win. But from now on it will be replaced by extra time and penalty.
A UEFA statement read: "Following the recommendation of the UEFA Club Competition Committee and the UEFA Women's Football Committee, the UEFA Executive Committee today approved a proposal to remove the so-called away goal rule from all UEFA club competitions (men's, women's and women's)". given. Youth) according to the qualifying stages of the 2021/22 competitions."
Commenting on the abolition of the away goal rule, UEFA President Alexandre Ceferin said: "The away goal rule has been an intrinsic part of UEFA competitions since its introduction in 1965. However, the question of its abolition has been debated at various UEFA meetings. Although there was no consensus of opinion over the years, many coaches, fans and other football stakeholders have questioned its fairness and expressed a preference for the rule to be abolished.
"The effect of the rule is now contrary to its original purpose, in fact, it now prevents home teams - especially in the first leg - from attacking, because they are afraid to concede a goal that will give their opponents a significant advantage. There is also criticism of unfairness, especially in extra time, for forcing the home team to score twice when the away team has scored.
"It is fair to say that home advantage is not as important today as it was before. Considering the consistency across Europe in terms of playing styles, and the many different factors that have led to a decline in home advantage, UEFA executive The committee has taken the right decision in adopting the view that it is not advisable to carry more than one load at home for an away target."
Lyon, who had won the last five editions of the Women's Champions League, were knocked out by Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals last season with a goal.
In the men's Champions League, FC Porto and PSG had the advantage - to eliminate Juventus and Bayern Munich - to reach the last eight and semi-finals respectively.
Tottenham Hotspur entered the 2019 final after beating Manchester City and Ajax on away goals, before losing the final to Liverpool.
The rule change was not unanimous, Ceferin said, but was made after the "fairness" of the rule was questioned. UEFA's Executive Committee decided to abolish the away goals rule following a recommendation from its Club Competition Committee and the Women's Football Committee.