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      Champions League and Europa League away goals rule SCRAPPED by Uefa in radical law change ahead of new season

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      UEFA have confirmed a major change for next season’s Champions League and Europa League – by scrapping the away goals rule.The law previously gave a significant advantage to sides who hit the back of the net on the road, but drew criticism from many fans.
      ⚽ The away goals rule will be removed from all UEFA club competitions from the 2021/22 season.Ties in which the two teams score the same number of goals over the two legs will now have two 15-minute periods of extra time, and, if required, penalty kicks.#UCL #UWCL #UEL #UYL— UEFA (@UEFA) June 24, 2021

      On Thursday, Uefa announced the rule had been ditched after long negotiations over its role in the modern game.
      SunSport revealed in April that plans were initially afoot to only count away goals scored inside 90 minutes, not extra-time.
      But European football’s governing body will now go ahead with plans to completely scrap the rule.
      It means all knockout ties level after two legs will go to extra-time and then, if necessary, penalties.

      Uefa data outlined how the disadvantage of playing away from home has decreased in recent decades.
      Matches were won by the home team at a rate of 61 per cent in the mid-1970s, a figure which has dropped to 47 per cent nowadays.

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      Andrea Iniesta’s away goal took Barcelona to the 2009 Champions League finalCredit: PA:Press Association
      Lucas Moura’s comeback hat-trick took Tottenham to the final on away goals in 2019Credit: Getty – Contributor
      And away wins have almost doubled in regularity – from 19 per cent to 30 per cent.
      Modern times have seen advances in player fitness, recovery and travel welfare to lessen the impact of trips across the continent.
      Fans have also voiced concerns over the impact the rule had on entertainment value, something Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin was keen to stress at Thursday’s announcement.
      He said: “The impact of the rule now runs counter to its original purpose.
      “In fact, it now dissuades home teams – especially in first legs – from attacking, because they fear conceding a goal that would give their opponents a crucial advantage.
      “It is fair to say that home advantage is nowadays no longer as significant as it once was.
      “Taking into consideration the consistency across Europe in terms of styles of play, and many different factors which have led to a decline in home advantage, the UEFA Executive Committee has taken the correct decision in adopting the view that it is no longer appropriate for an away goal to carry more weight than one scored at home.”
      The away goals rule has contributed to a number of huge results over the years, although it is difficult to say that games would have played out exactly the same had it not been present at the time.

      Andres Iniesta hit a late equaliser against Chelsea to take Barcelona to the 2009 final in a match better remembered for refereeing controversy.
      Ten years later and it was Tottenham sneaking through after Lucas Moura’s hat-trick in Amsterdam overturned Ajax’s semi-final lead.
      Spurs had also relied on away goals to edge Manchester City in the previous round, going through 4-4 on aggregate thanks to a Fernando Llorente strike in a mad 4-3 defeat at the Etihad.
      Roma bounced back from a 4-1 first-leg quarter-final defeat to Barcelona in 2018, progressing thanks to Kostas Manolas’ late header that sealed a 3-0 Stadio Olimpico triumph.
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      Uefa accused of ‘staggering failure’ over response to German request to light stadium in rainbow colours

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      UEFA have been accused of “staggering failure” after insisting they DO support the LGBTIQ+ rainbow despite banning it from being used tonight.Euro bosses refused to give permission for the rainbow colours to light up Bayern Munich’s home ahead of Germany’s final group game with Hungary.
      UEFA have been slammed over their stance to requests to illuminate the Allianz Arena in rainbow coloursCredit: AP
      Football’s governing body have been accused of hypocrisy for claiming the LGBTIQ+ symbol was politicalCredit: Twitter @UEFA
      Fans hold up a rainbow flag in Munich ahead of Germany’s match with Hungary
      Munich mayor Dieter Reiter had approved the gesture as a rebuke to the vote in the Hungarian parliament which banned content promoting homosexuality and/or gender change to Under-18s.
      UEFA said that was a “political” gesture and therefore banned, despite having previously agreed Germany skipper Manuel Neuer COULD wear a rainbow armband because it was “not political”.

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      The European Gay and Lesbian Sport Federation were part of the LGBTIQ+ groups that have since written to president Aleksander Ceferin.
      In the letter, it was hoped UEFA would “accept their misstep and reverse their decision” and “to clarify their actions in response to the homophobic behaviours we’ve seen in some matches.”
      But this afternoon’s widely-derided response has been rightly slammed by Hugh Torrance, Co-President of the EGLSF.
      To claim to have respect for the rainbow colours without addressing any of the issues which gave rise to the letter to them in the first place is a staggering failure
      He told SunSport: “UEFA’s response has not lived up to any of the outcomes we sought, and it has failed in any meaningful way to address the fundamental issues that we have raised with them.
      “To claim to have respect for the rainbow colours without addressing any of the issues which gave rise to the letter to them in the first place, without naming homophobia, and without being able to mention LGBTIQ+ people directly, is a staggering failure.
      “If you are going to say that you support LGBTIQ+ people, you need to be able to oppose anti-LGBTIQ+ laws and you need to not prevent actions which oppose oppressive behaviours and actions against us.
      “We strongly urge UEFA to recognise their power and reconsider their position on this, and to work in partnership with the communities they purport to support.”
      Uefa recently revealed Germany and Manuel Neuer will face no punishment for wearing a rainbow armband in support of Pride Month in games against France and Portugal
      SunSport previously reported that German clubs are lighting their stadiums up in rainbow colours in response to UEFA’s handling of tonight’s game.
      And Torrance added: “The ’46:1 in favour of the rainbow’ response from football clubs in Germany is a show of leadership that is uplifting and powerful and is unequivocal in its support.
      “To see the level of support from players, officials and fans across the football world and beyond is inspiring and is the most heartening thing about this whole incident.
      It’s notable how out of step UEFA as the Governing Body are with public support and opinion on this
      “Since sending our letter yesterday evening, we have been inundated with further support from many other groups operating in UEFA member states, and from many in Hungary in particular.
      “It’s notable how out of step UEFA as the Governing Body are with public support and opinion on this.”

      Wembley is the host of this year’s final but Torrance claimed that UEFA would prove their failings if they approved rainbow colours for that game after blocking German requests.
      He told SunSport: “We would of course welcome Wembley being lit up with rainbow colours, and other clear visibility and unequivocal support that they can bring to this issue.
      “But UEFA support for lighting up Wembley whilst doubling down on their opposition to lighting up the Allianz Arena, would further highlight their inability to stand up strongly when it counts.”

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      Uefa ban Germany request to turn stadium rainbow coloured at Euro 2020 because of ‘political context’ after Neuer probe

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      UEFA have denied Germany’s request to illuminate the Allianz Arena in all the colours of the rainbow due to ‘political’ reasons.Munich mayor Dieter Reiter had asked Europe’s governing body if they could light up Bayern’s stadium in protest to a new law passed in Hungary.
      Uefa have denied Germany’s request to illuminate the Allianz Arena in rainbow colours in protest of a controversial new law passed in Hungary due to ‘political’ reasonsCredit: Getty
      Uefa recently revealed Germany and Manuel Neuer will face no punishment after the captain wore a rainbow armband in support of Pride Month in games against France and PortugalCredit: Getty
      The newly-introduced law prohibits the sharing of content believed to promote homosexuality and/or gender change to Under-18s.
      The rainbow is a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride, with German officials hoping to make a stand with the eyes of the world focused on Euro 2020.
      But Uefa say they must ‘decline’ due to being a ‘neutral organisation’ and suggested other date for the Allianz Arena to host its colourful protest.
      A statement read: “Racism, homophobia, sexism, and all forms of discrimination are a stain on our societies – and represent one of the biggest problems faced by the game today.
      “Discriminatory behaviour has marred both matches themselves and, outside the stadiums, the online discourse around the sport we love.
      “However Uefa, through its statutes, is a politically and religiously neutral organisation.
      “Given the political context of this specific request – a message aiming at a decision taken by the Hungarian national parliament – Uefa must decline this request.”
      The statement continued: “Uefa understands the intention is to send a message to promote diversity and inclusion.

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      “[That’s] a cause Uefa has been supporting for many years – having joined forces with European clubs, national teams and their players, launching campaigns and plenty of activities all over Europe to promote the ethos that football should be open to everyone.
      “And consequently, Uefa has proposed alternative dates for the illumination which align better with existing events.
      “Uefa has proposed to the city of Munich to illuminate the stadium on either June 28 – the Christopher Street Liberation Day – or between July 3-9, which is the Christopher Street Day week in Munich.”
      During games against Portugal and France, Germany captain Manuel Neuer, 35, has worn a rainbow armband in support of Pride Month.
      Uefa opened an investigation whether it could be viewed as a political statement.
      However, Uefa have now concluded there is no case to answer, given Neuer was ‘promoting a good cause’.
      The German Football Association said it had received a letter from Uefa confirming the matter should be considered closed.
      It had been feared that Germany could have been FINED for their support of Pride Month with Uefa statutes prohibiting ‘political’ signs being made during matches.
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      Germany captain Manuel Neuer wears rainbow armband in support of Pride Month More

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      No10 on cusp of deal for Wembley to host up to 75,000 fans at Euro 2020 final including VIPs who WON’T quarantine

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      THE FINAL of Euro 2020 is set to remain at Wembley – and up to 75,000 fans will be allowed to attend.The government are on the cusp of agreeing a deal with Uefa to allow 2,500 foreign media and a ‘small number’ of VIPs to attend the showpiece event without having to quarantine.
      PM Boris Johnson is negotiating a deal with Uefa to keep the final of Euro 2020 at WembleyCredit: Getty
      Up to 75,000 fans are expected to attend the match in LondonCredit: Getty
      Boris Johnson is understood to be under pressure to allow more spectators to attend, with Uefa threatening to move the final elsewhere.
      The Puskas Arena in Budapest is at full capacity for the tournament – around 67,000 – and would be willing to the stage the final if necessary.
      Wembley is currently welcoming just 22,500 fans for the group stage of Euro 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions.
      But capacity for the final is now expected to be between 60,000 and 75,000.
      The PM is also set to allow VIPs into the country WITHOUT having to quarantine – but they must leave within 24 hours of arrival.
      Uefa’s special guests are also expected to be in a ‘bubble’ during their time in London and won’t mix with UK-based supporters.
      Confirmation of the stadium’s capacity for the final is expected to be announced as early as Tuesday, June 22 – the same day as England face Czech Republic.

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      Johnson’s official spokesman said: “We continue to look forward to hosting the semi finals and final here in the UK at Wembley.
      “We will continue to work closely with Uefa.”
      But the PM’s sister Rachel Johnson slammed the rule bending as ‘the final nail in the coffin of the Covid restrictions’.
      She said: “Above all, I think if this event does go ahead on British soil, the 2,500 VIPs and hangers-on… will literally put the final nail in the coffin of the Covid restrictions.
      “The government will have to open up probably before the terminus date of July 19 because I think the Covid restrictions will be collapsing under the weight of their own contradictions and the country will not put up with it.”

      Speaking in the Lords, Culture minister Lady Barran said: “We are not exempting any VIPs or accredited guests from our restrictions.
      “If it’s agreed they should enter the UK, they would only be able to leave isolation for official events and would be subject to a very strict code of conduct.”
      She added: “We already permit certain officials and accredited guests to enter the UK for these matches under the elite sport exemption.
      “We will continue to keep the scope of these exemptions under review and are working closely with the FA and Uefa to ensure these Euro 2020 matches take place successfully.”
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      Hungary facing Uefa probe over allegations of vile racist and homophobic chanting by fans during Euro 2020

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      UEFA is probing alleged racism and homophobia by Hungarian fans during Euro 2020 games in Budapest.French black players were subjected to monkey chants during Saturday’s 1-1 draw.
      Hungary fans marched against taking the knee against racism – Uefa has opened an investigation into alleged racist and homophobic chantingCredit: EPA
      Right-wing and self-proclaimed Nazi groups are among Hungary’s most fervent supportersCredit: Reuters
      That followed claims of homophobic chants through last week’s defeat by Portugal.
      Budapest’s Puskas Arena is the only stadium at the tournament operating at full capacity, with crowds of 60,000.
      But right-wing and self-proclaimed Nazi groups are among Hungary’s most fervent supporters.
      One large group held a march protesting against anti-rascism gestures last week.
      And before the France game, thousands of Hungary fans set off flares and unveiled an anti-kneeling banner in the streets of Budapest.
      A number of reports in French media highlighted the racism directed at Paul Pogba, N’golo Kante, Kylian Mbappe and other black players.
      That forced Uefa into action.
      A Uefa statement announced: “In accordance with Article 31(4) of the Uefa Disciplinary Regulations, an Uefa Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding potential discriminatory incidents which occurred in the Puskas Arena, Budapest, during the 2020 European Championship group stage matches between the national teams of Hungary and Portugal on 15 June 2021 and between the national teams of Hungary and France played on 19 June 2021.

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      Demonstrations took place in and around Budapest on SaturdayCredit: EPA
      There were claims of homophobic chants through last week’s defeat by PortugalCredit: Reuters
      Hungary’s players were heroes for their 1-1 draw against France – but some of their fans were far from thatCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “Information on this matter will be made available in due course.”
      The issue is a significant cloud over the tournament and makes it even more unlikely that Uefa will take the semi-finals and Final away from Wembley and move the games to Budapest.
      Uefa and the UK Government are in discussions over demands for 2,500 sponsors, VIPs and media to avoid mandatory 10-day quarantine periods.
      It is expected that a compromise will be found with Uefa reluctant to switch the final three games at such a late stage.
      But Uefa wishes for foreign fans to be accommodated by observing 24-hour travel “bubbles” seem less likely to be met at this stage.
      Although Euro chiefs would prefer overseas fans to be allowed into the UK, it is not believed an inability to reach agreement will be a deal-breaker.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Hungary fans hold anti-kneeling banner and set off flares as thousands march in Budapest before Euro 2020 France clash More

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      Germany captain Manuel Neuer won’t be disciplined for wearing rainbow armband in support of Pride Month in Uefa U-turn

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      GERMANY captain Manuel Neuer will face no disciplinary action for wearing a rainbow coloured armband against Portugal and France.The German skipper, 35, donned the rainbow armband in support of Pride Month.
      Germany captain Manuel Neuer has been wearing a rainbow armband in support of Pride MonthCredit: AP
      But rather than throw their weight behind the cause, Uefa opened an investigation whether it could be viewed as a political statement.
      However, Uefa have now concluded there is no case to answer, given Neuer, 35, was “promoting a good cause”.
      A spokesperson said: “Uefa looked into the armband worn by the player in question and, considering that it was promoting a good cause, i.e. diversity, the team will not face disciplinary proceedings.”
      The German Football Association said it had received a letter from UEFA confirming the matter should be considered closed.
      The DFB posted on Twitter on Sunday evening: “UEFA have today shared with the DFB that they have stopped the review of the rainbow captain’s armband worn by @Manuel_Neuer.
      “In a letter, the armband has been assessed as a team symbol for diversity and thus for a ‘good cause’.”
      It had been feared that Germany could even have been FINED for their support of Pride Month with Uefa statutes prohibiting ‘political’ signs being made during matches.
      Board member of LSVD, the German Lesbian and Gay Federation, Christian Rudolph said: “That is unacceptable.
      “It is a fatal sign. We are currently in Pride Month and at the most important sporting event of the month should the wearing of a rainbow captain’s armband be prevented?
      “Uefa also needs to think about who it represents.
      “How should the athletes think about it now? We are committed to open football.
      “And this month we also want to send a signal to all the athletes from the LGBTI community.
      Neuer also wore the armband against FranceCredit: EPA
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      “It was important to us that Neuer can wear the rainbow captain’s armband for the entire month. These are now the values ​​that the DFB represents.”
      On Monday, Mayor of Munich Dieter Reiter is expected to file a cross-party motion from the city’s council to Uefa, asking them for permission to light up Allianz Arena in rainbow colours for their clash with Hungary on Wednesday.
      There are also plans for Munich City Hall to be decorated by rainbow flags.
      Last week, Hungarian parliament reportedly approved a law that ‘restricts young people’s right to information about homosexuality and transsexuality’.
      And their fans are being investigated by Uefa for alleged racist and homophobic chanting in the games against Portugal and France.

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      Uefa and Government ‘hopeful’ of Euro 2020 final staying at Wembley as No10 look ahead to British Isles 2030 World Cup

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      UEFA and the Government remain ‘hopeful’ of a deal to ensure the closing stages of Euro 2020 remain at Wembley.Euro chiefs have warned they could move the semi-finals and final to Budapest unless they receive guarantees from Britain.
      Boris Johnson is hopeful a deal can be struck to keep the Euro 2020 climax at WembleyCredit: Reuters
      Uefa have threatened to move the semi-finals and final from London to BudapestCredit: Getty
      Uefa pointed out that part of the agreement with the UK and FA over hosting was that there would be an agreement to allow up to 2,500 VIPs, sponsors and foreign media into the country for the games.
      But current Covid rules would require all overseas visitors to observe strict 10-day hotel quarantines, making the idea of travel for the matches at short notice impossible.
      Uefa is also seeking the green light from the UK authorities for fans of the competing teams to be allowed into the country to watch the matches, which will be played in front of a capped attendance of 40,000.
      That requires a relaxation of UK border regulations, which is a significant stumbling block.
      The sponsor, VIP and media demands scuppered plans to play last month’s Champions League Final between Chelsea and Manchester City at Wembley when it was moved from Istanbul, with the match eventually being played in Oporto. 
      But with PM Boris Johnson also aware that failing to stage the games as scheduled could have a damaging impact on the effort to gain Uefa’s support for the planned British Isles 2030 World Cup bid, it is expected that a deal can be struck.
      Johnson confirmed on Friday that he was ready to make ‘some sensible accommodations’ to meet Uefa’s expectations, rather than risk losing the matches.
      But Uefa also recognises that it cannot be hardline in its demands.

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      Talks have taken place over the past 48 hours and will continue into next week, with a final decision expected before Wednesday.
      Now the mood at Uefa headquarters in Nyon is positive with a growing belief that a meeting of minds will be found.
      That is likely to see a slight softening of Uefa’s demands, although Euro bosses are pushing strongly for 24-hour fan ‘bubbles’ – involving hotel and transportation – to ensure supporters can attend the game and return home immediately.
      One insider said: “We are both confident we will get where we need to be on this.
      “Nobody really wants to move the game to Hungary, although that is not off the table if we cannot find a suitable agreement.”
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      Snipers were prepared to SHOOT Greenpeace protester who parachuted onto pitch before France’s Euro 2020 win over Germany

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      SNIPERS were prepared to SHOOT the Greenpeace protester who parachuted onto the pitch before the Euro 2020 game between France and Germany.The police only decided against firing when they noticed the parachute had the environmental organisation’s logo on, according to a German minister.
      Police were worried the protester who parachuted onto the pitch at Euro 2020 was a terroristCredit: EPA
      Snipers were prepared to shoot the protester before noticing the Greenpeace logoCredit: EPA
      Bavaria’s interior minister for the state Joachim Herrmann claims coppers in Munich were prepared to shoot the protester as they feared it was a terrorist attack.
      The politician said: “Due to the Greenpeace banner the marksmen did not intervene.
      “But if the police had come to a different conclusion that they might have been dealing with a terrorist attack, the aviator may well have paid with his life.”
      Police in Munich have confirmed two men were injured by the pilot during his entrance into the stadium and were taken to hospital.
      The protester lost control of his parachute, clashing with the spidercam and causing debris to fall onto the playing surface.
      The police added: “There is no understanding whatsoever for such irresponsible actions in which a considerable risk to human life is accepted.”

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      Uefa have also condemned Greenpeace’s actions, releasing a statement after the match.
      It reads: “This inconsiderate act – which could have had very serious consequences for a huge number of people attending – caused injuries to several people attending the game who are now in hospital and law authorities will take the necessary action.
      “Uefa and its partners are fully committed to a sustainable Euro 2020 tournament and many initiatives have been implemented to offset carbon emissions.
      “The staging of the match was fortunately not impacted by such a reckless and dangerous action, but several people were injured nonetheless.”

      Greenpeace have apologised for the failed stunt, tweeting: “This protest was never meant to interrupt the game or injure people.
      “We hope that everyone is OK and that nobody has been seriously injured.
      “Greenpeace actions are always peaceful and non-violent. Unfortunately, with this stunt everything did not go to plan.”
      The organisation later tried to explain their plan in a second Twitter post, writing: “The pilot had wanted to let a balloon hover in the stadium, but had to then do an emergency landing, due to the fact that the hand gas control of the parachute failed.”
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