Do away goals count double in the FA Cup? Many have asked as Manchester United, Tottenham, West Ham and others prepare for the 5th round.
The Red Devils take on the Hammers at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, while Spurs travel to Bramall Lane for a chance to reach the FA Cup Quarter-Final.
On Tuesday, Fulham overcame Leeds, while Blackburn, Manchester City and Brighton also booked their place in the FA Cup Quarter-Final.
Ahead of the next batch of fixtures, some have been asking about the away goal rule, so let’s take a look.
Do away goals count double in the FA Cup?
Well, the short answer is no.
Away goals used to be more valuable in UEFA competitions if the scoreline was level after 90 minutes had been played.
For example, a 2-2 draw between Chelsea and Ajax would see Chelsea progress into the next round if they won 2-1 in Amsterdam but lost 1-0 at Stamford Bridge in the second leg.
However, no such rule applies to competitions organised by the English Football Association.
Instead, the game usually goes to a replay if two teams cannot be separated after normal time.
However, this season’s 5th round clashes will go straight to extra-time and, if need be, penalties due to fixture congestion caused by the FA Cup.
That is usually the case from the Quarter-Final stage onwards anyway.
Interestingly, even UEFA have decided to scrap the away goals rule nowadays.
Aleksander Čeferin – President of UEFA – said: “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.”
These comments were posted on UEFA’s official website.
In that respect, those watching one of tonight’s FA Cup 5th round ties may be in for a long night if the game goes all the way to a penalty shootout.
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