Arsene Wenger, FIFA's head of global football development, has proposed a new offside rule where attackers are onside if any part of their body is in line with a defender. This rule is being trialled in the Canadian Premier League this season. Under the new system, an attacker is deemed onside if there is no visible gap or 'daylight' between the attacker and the last defender.
Pacific FC scored the first goal from a scenario enabled by this new offside rule in a match against Halifax Wanderers. Wenger has cited historical context, noting that in 1990, it was decided there is no offside when a player is on the same line as the defender, giving the striker the advantage in case of doubt.
In 1990 we decided that [there is] no offside anymore when you are on the same line [as the defender]. In case of doubt the doubt benefits the striker. That means when there's a fraction - the striker could get the advantage. With VAR this advantage disappeared... It's frustrating. That's why I propose that as long as any part of your body is in line with a defender, you are onside.
Wenger has criticized VAR for making offside calls frustrating and removing the advantage from attackers. He has proposed other controversial changes, including a biennial World Cup and changing throw-ins to kick-ins in the final five minutes of games.
Fans have expressed mixed reactions to the new offside rule trial. Some fans criticized the rule, arguing it will ruin football, create goalhangers, or encourage defenses to play deeper. Others supported the change, saying it makes more sense than the current rule or that they have always wanted this approach. However, some expressed concerns that players might exploit the rule or that it could cause chaos.
It remains unknown whether FIFA will officially adopt the new offside rule after the trial or how long the trial in the Canadian Premier League will last. The specific impact on game statistics like goals scored or defensive strategies has not been detailed, and it is unclear if other leagues plan to trial the rule. The official criteria for evaluating the success or failure of the trial have not been publicly disclosed.