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Arsene Wenger, FIFA's chief of global football development, is pushing for a radical change to the offside rule, which could potentially give attackers a significant advantage on the field.
According to The Times, Wenger is "convinced" that his proposal works, following successful trials in Italy, Sweden, and the Netherlands.
His proposal suggests that there must be "daylight" between the attacker and defender for an offside offence to occur. If any part of the attacker's body, from which they can score, is in line with the last defender, then this is considered onside. Wenger intends to present his proposal to the International FA Board (IFAB) and is hopeful for swift adoption.
However, despite the potential benefits, there are concerns that Wenger's proposal may give too much advantage to attackers, according to the report. Luis Figo, head of UEFA's Football Board, is reportedly against the proposal, suggesting that further trials may be necessary in competitions using VAR before any changes are made to the law.
David Dein, former Arsenal and FA vice-president, has expressed support for Wenger's idea, describing it as "refreshingly innovative" during a FIFA Congress in Bangkok. Wenger himself has been working on this proposal for four years, emphasising the need for a change in the offside rule to eliminate contentious decisions based on millimetres.
Steve Halls, founder of NexxtGen Football, shares his perspective on Wenger's proposal, stating, "Wenger's proposal represents a significant shift in how we perceive offside offences. By focusing on 'daylight' between attackers and defenders, it could simplify the decision-making process for referees and reduce the controversy surrounding offside calls. However, we must also consider the potential impact on the game's dynamics and fairness. Any changes should undergo thorough testing and evaluation before implementation."
While Premier League clubs are set to see changes to offside decisions next season with the introduction of semi-automated technology, any further alterations to the offside rule will require IFAB approval. Wenger's proposal marks a potential turning point in football's rulebook, but its adoption hinges on careful consideration and consensus among football's governing bodies.
