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Arsene Wenger Demands Radical Offside Rule Change by Next Year

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andy Hageman | Last updated May 8, 2025 5:12 PM ET

Arsene Wenger, FIFA’s chief of global football development, is championing a major change to football’s offside law. The former Arsenal manager first proposed his “daylight” rule in 2020, aiming to boost attacking play. He believes the change could be implemented as early as 2026.

Under the current rule, a player is offside if any part of their body, except hands and arms, is beyond the last outfield defender when the ball is played. Wenger’s proposal flips this: an attacker would only be offside if their entire body is ahead of the defender. This shift would give attackers a clear advantage, designed to increase goal-scoring opportunities, so he says.

The idea stems from frustration with tight offside calls, especially since VAR’s introduction. Marginal decisions, like a toe or shoulder being offside, have sparked debates among fans and pundits. Wenger argues his rule would reduce these controversies and make the game more fluid.

Trials in Italian youth football have already tested the “daylight” rule. However, results raised concerns about giving attackers too much leeway, potentially unbalancing the game. FIFA plans further trials in other competitions to refine the proposal before a final decision.

The last major offside rule change came in 1990, after a low-scoring World Cup in Italy averaged just 2.21 goals per match. That adjustment allowed attackers to be level with defenders, sparking more offensive play. Wenger’s proposal could be the next big shift, aiming to mirror that impact.

Supporters of the change, like former Wenger employer and Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein, call it “refreshingly innovative.” Critics, including Jamie Carragher, warn it could force teams to defend deeper, leading to more negative tactics. The debate highlights the challenge of balancing attack and defense.

FIFA’s trials have also occurred in Sweden and the Netherlands, with mixed feedback. Some worry the rule won’t eliminate close calls, as overlapping body parts will still require scrutiny. Others see it as a step toward a more exciting, goal-heavy game.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) will decide the rule’s fate, likely in 2026. Any change requires extensive testing in competitive leagues, making Wenger’s one-year timeline ambitious. The process ensures thorough evaluation to maintain the game’s integrity.

Wenger’s vision draws from his decades in football, where he built Arsenal’s attacking legacy. His push reflects a desire to evolve the sport while addressing modern challenges like VAR. Fans eagerly await whether this rule will reshape the beautiful game or make matters worse as VAR has.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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