Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger, now FIFA’s Chief of Global Football, wants to bring in 'daylight offside' to produce more exciting football and give more benefit to attacking players
Arsene Wenger
Arsene Wenger is pushing for daylight offside to be introduced across the world(Image: Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Arsene Wenger insists the “daylight offside” trial will make football more exciting. Wenger, FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, believes it will help produce more goals and change the game in favour of strikers.
The trial was given the go-ahead by the International Football Association Board and will start in the Canadian Premier League from April 4.
Under the trial, a player will only be ruled offside if there is a gap – or “daylight” – between themselves and the second to last defender. In effect, attackers must be fully beyond the second last defending player to be penalised.
Wenger said: “This is an important pilot. By testing this new interpretation in a professional competition, we can better understand its impact, including in terms of improving clarity and the flow of the game and promoting attacking play.
“We look forward to analysing the results of the trial phase. We thank the Canadian Premier League and the Canadian Soccer Association for their willingness to support FIFA with this pilot and for providing their competition.”
FIFA say the “daylight offside” will introduce “a clearer visual threshold, the trial is aimed at restoring a greater attacking advantage and boosting the flow of matches.”
The LED screen displays a message from VAR which reads "Checking Goal, Possible Offside" during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool at Amex Stadium.
The CPL will also trial Football Video Support, to give coaches the ability to challenge - although this is not to replace VAR(Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
View 2 Images
The CPL will also trial Football Video Support (FVS) where coaches are given a set number of challenges in each game. They can be used in match-changing incidents on goals, penalties, red cards and mistaken identity.
The coach must give a request card to the fourth official before the game restarts. The fourth official will also check for any offences leading up to goals but is not seen as a replacement for VAR.
FIFA say the initiatives are part of wider measures “brought in to enhance match tempo and reduce time-wasting were approved and updates were given on ongoing developments in offside-related technologies and trials.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of MirrorFootball content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.