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Infantino Signals Openness to Offside Law Overhaul Ahead of IFAB Review

FIFA is testing Arsène Wenger’s 2020 idea that would only call offside when a scoring body part is clearly beyond the second-last opponent.

Overview

  • Speaking at the World Sports Summit in Dubai, Gianni Infantino said FIFA is examining how to make football more offensive and attractive, including by revisiting offside.
  • Under the proposal attributed to Arsène Wenger, an attacker would be onside if any scoring body part remains level with the second-last opponent, a shift from the current stricter threshold.
  • FIFA initiated trials of the concept with IFAB’s permission after earlier delays linked to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • IFAB, which sets the Laws of the Game, is scheduled to meet on 20 January in London to review the testing and next steps.
  • Supporters argue the change could reduce marginal VAR decisions, while critics note close judgments would still require precise assessment.