Liverpool’s European matches next season could have a new dynamic to them if they reach the knockout stages of the Champions League with UEFA considering scrapping the away goals rule, according to a report.
The rule — first brought into European competitions in 1965 — is used in the Champions League and Europa League when the score of a two-legged match is level on aggregate with the team who has scored more away goals going through.
The Times claims that 56 years after it was first introduced, there is a growing feeling that the rule is outdated and a move to scrap it will be considered at Friday’s meeting of UEFA’s club competitions committee in Porto ahead of the Champions League final.
If there is enough support to abolish it then European football’s governing body will look to start the process to change the rule.
UEFA first introduced the away goals rule as a tie-break to encourage attacking play from visiting sides in an era when many teams were unfamiliar with opposition styles of play or tactics when travelling and would often try and stifle their hosts with a negative approach.
Over half a century later, innovations in tactics, changes to the laws of the game and an all-round more cosmopolitan sport have seemingly eroded its need though.
The rule has often caused confusion with those not au fait with its workings though with many commentators guilty of erroneously stating that: “Away goals count double” in European competition.
They never have, it’s just that the team who have scored the most away goals wins the tie if the aggregate scores are level.
