Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger's proposal to reform the offside rule is advancing, with FIFA set to present it to the International Football Association Board. The change would deem attackers onside if any part of their body aligns with the last defender, aiming to reduce marginal VAR decisions. Trials in youth competitions have already begun, sparking debate on its impact.
Arsene Wenger, now FIFA's Director of Global Football Development, has long advocated for a significant adjustment to the offside law to favor attackers and streamline officiating in the VAR era. The proposal, first outlined in 2020, would rule an attacker offside only if they are entirely ahead of the last outfield defender, eliminating disputes over millimeters such as a nose or toe.
Wenger explained the rationale in a 2020 statement: "There is room to change the rule and not say that a part of a player’s nose is offside... Instead, you will be not offside if any part of the body that can score a goal is in line with the last defender, even if other parts of the attacker’s body are in front. That will sort it out and you will no longer have decisions about millimetres."
He further elaborated to Bein Sports, referencing the 1990 World Cup's low goal tally: "It was in 1990 after the World Cup in Italy when there were no goals scored... With VAR this advantage disappeared and for many people it's frustrating. That's why I proposed that as long as any part of your body is on the same line as the defender, you're not offside."
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has signaled support, stating at the World Sports Summit: "Let’s take the example of the offside law, which has evolved over the years. Maybe in the future, [attackers] will need to be completely ahead of the defender to be offside."
The proposal will be examined at IFAB's annual meeting on January 20 in London, with further debate at the General Assembly in Wales in February. Trials of the amended rule have been conducted in selected European youth competitions since 2020, as confirmed by a FIFA spokesperson to The Times: "Fifa committed to trialling the amended offside law, favouring the attacker... We will continue with these trials, assess the results and discuss with all relevant stakeholders."
Criticism has emerged, notably from former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, who posted on X: "This will be terrible for the game as teams will defend completely differently than we see now. Lots of low blocks & teams being negative."
If approved, the change could take effect by the 2026-27 season, potentially influencing the 2026 World Cup hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
