Arsene Wenger’s long-discussed “offside revolution” is closer to becoming a reality. FIFA and president Gianni Infantino are preparing to present his proposed rule change to IFAB, the body responsible for football laws. Below you will see information about is news which has been summarized The Football Insight.
The plan would only penalize attackers if they are completely in front of the last defender, giving strikers more freedom in the final third. The IFAB annual meeting in London on January 20th will examine Wenger’s proposal in detail.
A wider debate is scheduled at FIFA’s General Assembly in Wales in February. As FIFA’s Director of Global Football Development, Wenger has pushed for a change that could reduce controversial calls and increase attacking opportunities.
Wenger first outlined the idea in 2020, arguing that even a fraction of a player’s body shouldn’t trigger an offside if another scoring part is level with the defender. His vision seeks to remove millimeter decisions that frustrate players, coaches, and fans alike.
Why Change the Offside Rule
Wenger believes the current offside law, amplified by VAR, has unfairly restricted attackers. Decisions are now measured to the smallest fraction, often nullifying goals that should stand. This has reduced fluidity in games and angered supporters.
He also pointed to history, referencing the 1990 World Cup, which recorded a record-low goals average. After that tournament, the rule was adjusted to favor strikers when in doubt. Wenger wants to restore that advantage, ensuring attackers are not penalized for tiny marginal differences.
For Wenger, the goal is simple make football more exciting. He argues that attackers deserve a fairer chance, and that his proposal would encourage creative, attacking play rather than cautious defending.
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FIFA’s Support and Trials
Gianni Infantino has signaled support for Wenger’s idea, suggesting in interviews that attackers might only be offside if fully ahead of defenders in the future. FIFA has already trialed the rule in youth competitions across Europe, observing its impact on gameplay and fairness. A FIFA spokesperson confirmed the law is being tested to see how it affects the game.
The trials aim to favor attackers, reduce contentious decisions, and improve the viewing experience, but full adoption would depend on the assessment and IFAB’s approval. The experimentation phase allows stakeholders to provide feedback and ensures any changes preserve football’s balance while encouraging more attacking moments.
Critics and Controversy
Not everyone agrees with Wenger’s vision. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher criticized the plan, warning it could harm the game. He argued teams might defend more conservatively, creating low blocks and negative tactics rather than attacking freely.
Despite criticism, Wenger remains confident. He believes the change could revive excitement, speed up matches, and reward creative players. If approved, this offside revolution could mark one of the biggest shifts in football laws in decades, shaping the game for fans and players alike. Follow footballcoasters.co.uk for weekly deep dives into football’s biggest stories.