Offside update: FIFA calls for new offside rules to be tested 23 May 2024

FIFA is calling on the International Federation of Association Football (IFAB) to review the first change to the offside rule in more than 30 years, the so-called Arsene Wenger Law. This was reported by UNN with reference to The New York Times.

FIFA wants football's legislative body, the International Federation of Association Football (IFAB), to continue testing the biggest change to the offside rule in 30 years 

Context

FIFA's Director of Global Football Promotion Arsene Wenger is working on revolutionary changes to the offside rules. According to Wenger's proposal, in the future, offside should depend on whether there is a distance between the attacker and the last player of the opposing team. At the moment of the ball's pass, at least one part of the body must be at the same height as the defending player for it to be offside.

The planned rule change is likely to be well received by players and fans, as it is still almost impossible to determine the exact moment of offside. However, decisions made by VAR in favor or against offside often depend on nuances. The new rule will also give strikers more tactical options. It will also give them the freedom to launch a shot at the right time. Thus, in the future, it will be more difficult for defenders to take the opponent out of the offside position.

Development of the discussion

Arsène Wenger left the Premier League in 2018 to work as FIFA's head of global football development, and he has been promoting the idea of changing the offside law since 2020.

The IFAB, which includes the bosses of the four British football associations and FIFA, agreed to test the idea, sometimes called the "daylight rule" because it is what the assistant referee must see between the attacker and the player.

The trial was conducted in Italy, among players under the age of 18. IFAB received an update on its progress at the Annual General Meeting in March. There were other trials in age group competitions in the Netherlands and Sweden.

FIFA has committed itself to testing the amended offside law (...) We will continue these tests, evaluate the results and discuss them with all stakeholders

The idea of changing the offside rule may be of interest to many strikers and fans of the attacking game. However, there are also those who are concerned that the proposed changes will significantly shift the balance between attack and defense. But the new rules could also put an end to offside disputes.

David Dein, Wenger's former manager and close friend, is convinced that the former Arsenal coach is right.

Speaking at the FIFA Congress in Bangkok last week, the former Arsenal vice-chairman said: "The offside rule needs to change because it is too controversial and problematic.

Recall

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