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Xtra Time Web Desk: In a huge relief for the clubs in Europe, UEFA on Thursday decided to scap the away goals rule from all club competitions from the start of the 2021-22 seasons. It was confirmed by the governing body of UEFA.

The rule was applied to determine the winner of a two-legged knockout tie in cases where the two teams had scored the same number of goals on aggregate over the two matches. If one team had scored more away goals, they would qualify for the next round.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said the decision was not unanimous, but admitted there was a preference to change the rule after its "fairness" was questioned.

"The away goals rule has been an intrinsic part of UEFA competitions since it was introduced in 1965," Ceferin said. "However, the question of its abolition has been debated at various UEFA meetings over the last few years. Although there was no unanimity of views, many coaches, fans and other football stakeholders have questioned its fairness and have expressed a preference for the rule to be abolished."