Arsene Wenger set to ‘press ahead’ with new offside rule change – report

Arsène Wenger, the renowned former Arsenal manager and current FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, is advancing his proposal for a significant revision to the offside law. This proposed change is the most radical adjustment in over three decades and stems from encouraging results observed during recent trials.

Wenger’s proposal suggests that an attacker should only be deemed offside if there is clear daylight between them and the last defender. This contrasts with the current rule, where an attacker is considered offside if any part of their body that can score – such as the head, torso, or legs – is beyond the defender.

The trials, conducted in Sweden, Italy, and the Netherlands, have addressed initial concerns about the potential for a dramatic tactical shift favoring attackers. Wenger, 74, is reportedly persuaded by the positive outcomes of these trials and is eager to see the new law adopted quickly. However, he anticipates facing demands for further trials at higher levels of competition before full implementation.

If adopted, Wenger’s offside rule change would mark a significant shift in how the game is played, with attackers gaining more leeway. Under the new law, as long as any part of the attacker’s body that can score remains level with the defender, they would be considered onside.

Descriptive image of Arsene Wenger’s offside rule proposal.

The proposal is set to be presented to the International FA Board (IFAB), the authoritative body responsible for football’s laws. While the journey towards formal adoption might be met with some resistance and calls for additional testing, Wenger’s initiative signals a proactive approach to evolving the game in favor of more dynamic and attacking play.

Source: The Times