UEFA’s Extra Time Exit: Is Football Losing Its Most Dramatic Moments?

Uefa plans to eradicate the idea of extra time - at least within the Champions League knockout stage. According to a report from the Guardian, the move aims to reduce the number of minutes played by top clubs. This decision has been heavily criticised by many around the world. Ultimately, this change would only benefit the big teams, given their tight schedules. But this raises an important question: is it a good thing they are on such a tight schedule? Does this help level the playing field, or does it simply reinforce the gap between elite clubs and the rest?

  Messi scores during the 2022 World Cup Final | Source: The Guardian

Of course, this change will come in in 2027, but this shows how the future of football will be impacted for emerging clubs looking to make a name for themselves in the grandest competition of them all. Does this removal take away the tensest 30 minutes in football history? Or is this simply to give an unfair advantage to the big teams?

Extra time has been a defining moment in many footballers' careers. For instance, in the 1970 World Cup semi-final between Italy and West Germany, the match was tied 1-1 at full time. During extra time, an astonishing five goals were scored, with Italy ultimately winning 4-3. This game is famously known as the "Game of the Century”. Could you imagine what would have happened if this game went straight to penalties?

Teams line-up before World Cup Semi-final | Source: Germany's National Team

I don’t get it, There is no legitimate footballing reason to justify scrapping extra time, especially given the impact of penalties. Penalties should never decide a game unless necessary—especially in the Champions League, where the stakes are at their highest.