UEFA has eliminated the away goals rule in European competitions from the beginning of next season.

The sport's governing body in Europe confirmed the move that has long been rumoured.

Away goals have been part of the European Cup and its sister competitions since 1965.

The rule decides games that are tied after two legs, with away goals counting double in that event.

"It is no longer appropriate for an away goal to carry more weight," said UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, per the BBC.

Ceferin added: "The impact of the rule now runs counter to its original purpose as, 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.

"There is also criticism of the unfairness, especially in extra time, of obliging the home team to score twice when the away team has scored.

"It is fair to say that home advantage is now no longer as significant as it once was."