Agency :
European soccer’s governing body UEFA said on Thursday it had approved a proposal to remove the away goals rule from all its club competitions involving men’s, women’s and youth teams, beginning with the qualifying phase of the 2021-22 campaign.
The away goals rule, introduced by UEFA in 1965-66, has been applied when the score of a two-legged tie is level on aggregate after 180 minutes, with the team scoring more goals away from their home venue declared winners.
But it came under scrutiny last season with some matches being held at neutral venues without spectators due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Instead, 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.
