UEFA are set to scrap the controversial aspect of away goals in extra-time, with the ruling only applying within 90 minutes from next season’s Champions League.
The away goal ruling has caused controversy in recent seasons for ties that are unable to be separated over two legs, the away side in the return fixture having had an additional half-hour of extra-time to score a potentially decisive ‘away goal’.
Under the proposed changes, which will be discussed at a meeting of UEFA’s competitions committee, away goals will count only during the regular 90 minutes of play, with no advantage once a tie has reached extra-time.
According to the Sun, the proposals have been backed by Europe’s leading clubs, though a plan to scrap the away goals rule entirely has been rejected.
The ruling comes amid major chances for club football’s biggest competitions with expansion plans for the Champions League accelerating and expected to be passed.
The change in format will see an increase in teams and fixtures amongst Europe’s elite with sides playing 10 group stage fixtures, the results of which will be placed in a 36-team league table with the top 16 qualifying for the knockout stages.
Read – Iconic Performances: Rivaldo and the greatest hat-trick ever scored
Read Also – Five of the best one-on-one finishers in Premier League history