UEFA and the four British football associations sitting on the International Football Association Board (IFAB) have pushed back against Arsene Wenger's proposed overhaul of the offside law. The former Arsenal manager, now FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development, had suggested a 'daylight' rule that would only penalise a forward if there is clear space between them and the defender.
Under Wenger's proposal, any part of the attacker's body aligning with the defender would deem them onside, effectively restoring the advantage to strikers that he believes has been lost with VAR and semi-automatic offside technology. Wenger stated: 'I proposed that as long as any part of your body is on the same line as the defender, you're not offside. We are experimenting with it now. In one year, the decision will be made, by the IFAB.'
However, according to The Times, the British associations view the change as too drastic, arguing it would fundamentally alter the game at elite level. UEFA shares this opinion and is expected to propose a compromise: a player would be flagged offside only if any part of their torso is beyond the defender, excluding feet, legs, and head.
On IFAB, each British association holds one vote, while FIFA has four. Any rule change requires six votes to pass. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has expressed support for Wenger's idea, stating last month: 'Perhaps in the future the attacker would have to be completely ahead to be considered offside.' The final decision is expected within a year.
