The IFAB plans to validate the offside rule proposed by Arsène Wenger from the coming season.
Arsène Wenger, currently head of global football development at FIFA, suggested that the attacker’s entire body should be in front of the last defender to be considered offside. A proposal that has a good chance of being adopted.
“The new offside rule, a real advantage for attackers”
The current rule states that if a body part with which one can score is in front of the last defender, the player is considered offside. The IFAB is reportedly considering Wenger’s suggestion, according to the Daily Record. The former French coach has already received the support of an American football legend, Alexi Lalas. The latter affirms that defenders will be forced to adapt their game more if this rule is applied.
Yes, it simply moves the line that we will argue about. But it does create a new and distinct advantage to the attacker, which I like. It will force the defenders to adjust (drop) in order to truly be goal-side and rely less on the offside trap. https://t.co/3BLZCeNPyD
— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) November 18, 2023
Lalas responded to a fan about the rule change by writing on X (ex Twitter): “Yes, it just moves the line on which we are going to argue. But it creates a distinct new advantage for the attacker, which I like. This will force defenders to adjust in order to truly be on the goal side and rely less on the offside trap.”
How wide is the line? https://t.co/FAFoKIdtr6
— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) November 18, 2023
In a simulation graph, a red line was drawn to determine whether the player was offside or not. Although Lalas supported the rule change, he expressed concern about the thickness of the line and asked: “How wide is the line?” »
The IFAB is considering Wenger’s suggestion to eradicate the controversies that have arisen since the introduction of VAR and has examined every goal in great detail so far. If approved by the legislature, it could go into effect starting with the 2024-25 season.
