Arsene Wenger’s remarks about perhaps altering the offside law have garnered a lot of media attention in recent years. He recently discussed his disapproval of the rule’s present meaning in an interview, adding that a change might be imminent.
The legendary manager of Arsenal, arguably the best in the team’s history, is currently FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development. However, he will not be involved in any prospective changes to the offside rule in his current job.
In fact, the Frenchman explained why he wants the regulation changed while discussing Inter Milan’s exciting 4-3 Champions League victory against Barcelona on beIN Sports. However, he also disclosed that the International Football Association Board, or IFAB, will make a judgement within a year.
Wenger Says VAR Doesn’t Work With Modern Offside
In a year, a decision will be made, but not by him.
The ‘benefit of doubt’ that attacking players formerly enjoyed has been diminished since the implementation of VAR, Wenger explained. He believes a modification would be ideal because it makes scoring goals too difficult:
“We decided in 1990 that when you are on the same line [as the defender], there is no longer any such thing as offside.
“The striker always wins when there is any doubt about it. This implies that the striker may have the advantage when there is a fraction. This advantage vanished with VAR. It’s annoying.
“That’s why I proposed that, as long as any part of your body is in the same line as the defender, then you’re not offside.”
Then he added:
“A choice will be made in a year. Not by me, but by IFAB.
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Wenger’s desire to change the regulation, which would need “there to be daylight between the attacker and defender for an offside to be called,” has long been known. But not everyone agrees with the concept.
The ‘awful’ suggestion was notably referred to by Jamie Carragher. “This will be terrible for the game as teams will defend completely differently than we see now,” he clarified in May 2024. Many poor points, blocks, and unfavourable teams. How might a set piece be defended?
“We don’t need more advantage for the attacker, the game is seeing more goals scored than ever!!!!”
Seeing what the IFAB decides in a year will undoubtedly be intriguing.
xz
