Five questions about removing a historic rule in the European Cups

The rule is as old as the Champions League but it will not be part of the football scene. Appearing in 1965, this procedure for the UEFA regulations on extra-terrestrial goal was rescinded by the European Foundation on Thursday 24 June. With many questions by Francininfo: Sport breaks up.

What was the “long target” rule?

Since its appearance in various European Cups nearly six decades ago, the away goals rule has made it possible to choose between two teams whose cumulative score is tied after home and away matches. In this case, the team that scored the most away goals qualified for the next round. If both teams score the same number of away goals, an extra time is started during which this rule is still in effect. If no other goal is scored, the penalty shootout separates the two teams.

Note that before this measure appeared, a third meeting on neutral ground was scheduled to determine the winner.

What do you decide?

UEFA has approved a proposal to abolish the away goals rule from the 2021-2022 season and for all competitions under which it will be held. Specifically in the Champions League (men, women and youth), the European League, as well as the European League Conference. Now the two teams tied after the home and away matches will play extra time before possible penalties.

Why was this rule deleted?

Often criticized, never abolished as an integral part of the football landscape, the Overseas Goal Base League has ended up being abandoned in this reformist era that is currently being rounded off (VAR, five potential changes, one goal) line technology …).

UEFA is relying on developments in football to justify its withdrawal. In fact, this rule was established in the 1960s because at that time, according to the European Foundation, the difference between playing at home and abroad was significant unlike today. And so from 61% of the home wins we went to 47% since 2009-2010 for 30% of the success away from home while 50 years ago there were only 19%. Travel conditions and stadium security have also been put forward to justify scrapping a rule that has become outdated for UEFA.

What impact will this have on football in the future?

It’s new since 2017, and today you might be wondering why the rule wasn’t repealed earlier. Because it would certainly have changed their future in the Champions League, Juventus have been particularly affected by this measure in the past two seasons. The first against Lyon in the round of 16 in 2020 (0-1, 1-2) before being eliminated this year by FC Porto (1-2, 3-2).

From a mechanical standpoint, this should therefore translate into an increase in the number of overtime worked with injury risks. This could also prompt UEFA to perpetuate the five-change rule during a match.

The number of shootings may increase in the future. More epic matches also for broadcasters and supporters hungry for the show. Even if the difference between victory and defeat at home narrows, the bonus that the receiver will receive in the second leg will still be relevant.