FIFA set to announce a new offside rule from next season

FIFA Set to Revamp Offside Rule: A Game-Changer for Attackers

The world of football could be on the brink of a major transformation as FIFA prepares to introduce a significant change to the offside rule one that could dramatically reshape attacking play.

The proposal, strongly championed by FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, Arsène Wenger, aims to make the game fairer, more exciting, and less controversial by reducing marginal offside calls. Under the proposed law, an attacker would be considered offside only if their entire body is beyond the last defender at the moment a pass is played.

This represents a notable shift from the current interpretation, where a player can be ruled offside even if only a small part of their body is ahead of the defender. By giving attackers the benefit of the doubt, the change is designed to reduce tight VAR decisions decided by millimeters, which have long frustrated players, coaches, and fans alike.

FIFA and the International Football Association Board (IFAB) believe the update will encourage more goals, promote attacking intent, and improve the overall flow of matches. Wenger has consistently argued that football should favour attackers, highlighting that the current offside law often penalizes players despite minimal advantages being gained.

While the rule change is widely expected to be approved, it still requires final ratification by IFAB. If passed, the new offside interpretation could be implemented as early as next season, marking one of the most significant law changes in modern football. The adjustment would also signal a partial move away from the semi-automated offside system recently introduced into the game.

This potential change could fundamentally alter how both defenders and attackers approach the game, promising a more dynamic and attacking style of football for fans worldwide.