Arsene Wenger proposes radical change to offside rule

FIFA head of global development Arsene Wenger has proposed a new groundbreaking update to the offside rule in football.

Wenger's proposal, referenced as the 'daylight' rule, would mean that attackers are onside if any part of their body is in line with the last outfield defender.

This would mark a radical move away from the current rules which stipulate that attackers are offside if any part of their body is ahead of the last outfield defender.

Ex-Arsenal manager Wenger believes this update to the sport's rules would restore an advantage to attacking players and lead to more goals and entertainment.

The Frenchman feels that this advantage to attacking players has been undermined by the introduction of the video assistant referee (VAR) and his new proposal could reverse this effect, telling beIN Sports:

In case of doubt, the doubt benefits the striker. That means when there's a fraction - the striker gets the advantage. With VAR this advantage disappeared and for many people it's frustrating.

The governing of offside decisions in football is being continually looked at by the sport's governing bodies, with semi-automated offside technology recently introduced in the Premier League and other top European competitions.

Semi-automated offside technology uses sophisticated camera equipment to determine whether or not attacking players are beyond the last defender at the exact time as the ball is played, in an attempt to speed up offside decisions and eliminate human error as far as possible.

Trials of Wenger's daylight offside concept have already taken place in Italian youth football, with further trials to take place before a final decision on the proposal which is expected at some point in 2026.

Any potential change to the offside rule in football will be determined by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) following consultation with former players, referees and other advisory panels.

James Wilson

• European Football
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