FIFA to implement new offside rule with more flexibility which was suggested by Arsene Wenger
FIFA and IFAB (International Football Association Board) have announced their plans to trial a new offside rule that could potentially reshape the game of football as we know it. With the proposed modification, the current average of about four offside calls each match should drop to about two, a reduction in offside rulings of almost 50%.
The main objective is to deploy VAR (Video Assistant Referee) technology to make football more thrilling and attacking-focused while lowering the likelihood that defensive teams would take advantage of minor centimeter-based rulings.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has previously expressed his support for this potential rule change, stating, “It is being studied because we want football to be more attacking every day. In 135 years of history, it has only been modified twice.” The governing bodies are committed to exploring ways to make the sport more appealing to fans while maintaining its integrity and fairness.
The adjustment of the method used to establish an attacker’s offside position is at the heart of this prospective revolution. Currently, no part of the attacking player’s body, excluding hands and arms, can be closer to the goal line than the rearmost part of the defending player’s body. The attacker’s full body must be outside the final defender’s line in order for offside to be declared under the new regulation.
The rearmost portion of the defender’s body and the attacker would then be evaluated for potential overlaps using VAR and better zoom capabilities to see if a clear offside situation exists. The objective would stand if there was any ambiguity or difference between the two. This change tries to encourage offensive play.
If effectively adopted, it may lead to less disputed offside judgments, resulting in a more seamless and fluid game flow. The potential increase in attacking opportunities would create an environment that rewards offensive-minded teams and players, stimulating more goals and thrilling moments for fans.
However, there will always be discussions and worries about how a substantial change may affect the balance between attack and defense. Critics claim that changing such a crucial component of the game may make defense less strategic and give attackers an unfair edge.
