World football’s lawmakers are reviewing a radical change that could reshape how goals are judged
FIFA is reportedly reviewing a potential overhaul of the offside law that could fundamentally change how the game is played. Designed by former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger to encourage attacking football and reduce marginal VAR decisions, the so-called ‘Wenger rule’ is now being tested and could mark one of the most significant law changes in modern football.
The review was confirmed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who acknowledged growing frustration with the current interpretation of offside.
What is the Wenger rule?
Tight calls decided by millimetres have become a regular source of anger for players, coaches, and supporters, often dominating headlines after matches and overshadowing the football itself.
At the centre of the discussion is a concept put forward by Wenger, now FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development.
The proposal would significantly shift the balance in favour of attackers by redefining when a player is considered offside.
Under the proposed rule, an attacker would only be penalised if they are clearly and entirely ahead of the last defender at the moment the ball is played.
As long as any part of the attacker’s body is level with the defender, they would be deemed onside. The aim is to eliminate goals being ruled out for marginal infringements involving a toe, knee, or shoulder.
What are the current rules for offside?
Under the current offside law, as defined in Law 11 by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), a player can be penalised if they are judged to be in an offside position and become actively involved in play.
A player is considered offside when they are in the opponents’ half and closer to the goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent at the moment the pass is played.
The proposed Wenger rule would represent a fundamental shift in how offside is interpreted. Under this concept, an attacker would only be ruled offside if their entire body. If any part of the attacker’s body is level with the defender, the player would be deemed onside.
In explaining his thinking, Wenger has pointed to a pivotal moment in football history when lawmakers intervened to address a lack of attacking output.
“It was in 1990 after the World Cup in Italy when there were no goals scored,” Wenger noted. “We decided that there is no offside any more when you are on the same line of the defender.
“In case of doubt, the doubt benefits the striker. That means when there’s a fraction, the striker did get the advantage. With VAR this advantage disappeared and for many people it’s frustrating.
“That’s why I proposed that as long as any part of your body is on the same line as the defender, you’re not offside. We are experimenting with it now. In one year, the decision will be made, by the IFAB, not by me.”
It should be noted that any permanent change will not be decided by FIFA alone. Final authority lies with the IFAB, the independent body responsible for the Laws of the Game.
IFAB will review the results of the trials before deciding whether the proposal should be adopted worldwide.
What does it mean for defences?
If this rule is introduced, it would fundamentally change defensive behaviour across the pitch. With attackers allowed to start runs level with the back line and still be onside, forwards could hit full speed earlier, often before the ball is played.
The precision timing currently required from the passer would matter less, because the receiver would already have momentum and a positional advantage.
By the time the pass is released, the attacker could already be moving past the defender rather than racing alongside them.
That shift alone would alter how high defensive lines can realistically operate. Allowing attackers a running start into space behind the defence would be extremely risky.
As a result, teams would be pushed toward defending deeper rather than holding a high line. Leaving space in behind would become far more dangerous than it already is, especially against fast, vertical attackers.