ARSENE WENGER IS proposing a change to the rules to reduce the number of marginal offside calls going against attacking players.
Wenger, appointed Chief of Global Football Development at Fifa in November, wants the law to change so that a player would be onside if any part of their body with which they can score a goal is level or behind the relevant defender.
The former Arsenal manager, who would apparently be keen to see the amendment brought in before Euro 2020 begins in June, believes changes are needed to stop goals being disallowed after players are penalised for fractional infringements by VAR.
“The most difficult [problem] that people have [with VAR] is the offside rule,” Wenger said at the Laureus Sports Awards. “You have had offsides by a fraction of a centimetre, literally by a nose. It is the time to do this [change] quickly.
“There is room to change the rule and not say that a part of a player’s nose is offside, so you are offside because you can score with that. Instead, you will be not be offside if any part of the body that can score a goal is in line with the last defender, even if other parts of the attacker’s body are in front.
“That will sort it out and you will no longer have decisions about millimetres and a fraction of the attacker being in front of the defensive line.”
The offside rule is expected to be discussed by football’s lawmaking body IFAB, which meets in Belfast on 29 February.
Wenger’s suggestion comes after more recent fan frustration over goals that have been disallowed for marginal offsides following VAR checks.
Olivier Giroud saw a header ruled out in Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester United on Monday after a check showed part of his foot was offside.
There have also been instances in the Premier League where goals have been disallowed due to attackers being measured offside from their armpits.
Roberto Firmino had such a goal ruled out in Liverpool’s win over Aston Villa in November, while Norwich City striker Teemu Pukki was similarly punished against Tottenham in a match that finished 2-2.
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
What an absolute legend who won it all as a sprinter. If anyone hasn’t seen the documentary Never Enough, take a look. Very insightful into what a brutal sport cycling is, and his struggles with depression.
@Kevin Dillon: yes it also shows how much of an assh0le the man is. Didn’t have many friends in the peloton in his career
@Ellis Dewald: well if that’s what you got from that documentary I feel sorry for you. Just heard Hincapie on a podcast and he was saying how he was not just a great cyclist, but a great person, and was well respected in the peleton. Should I believe you or George Hincapie?
@Kevin Dillon: well if you want to believe a man who lied for his whole career about doping and biging up his best mates lance and Johan Bruyneel you do that Kevin
Genuinely world class performer over a long pro career. Very open and honest chap. Long and happy retirement.
@Kiersn OConnor: Amazing rider but to be honest always thought he was a pr*ck. Pog has shown how to win with style and grace and that it doesn’t have to be win at all costs.
Good riddance.
@Barry Baz: Good morning