Wenger's Offside Rule Proposal Awaits 2026 Decision

Arsène Wenger, FIFA's chief of global development, is advocating for a major change to the offside rule to restore advantages for attackers diminished by VAR. He proposes attackers should be onside if any part of their body that can score is level with the last defender, rather than being ruled offside for small margins. The change aims to reduce frustration over marginal VAR decisions and foster more attacking play, referencing previous post-1990 amendments that increased goal averages. Trials of this rule are currently underway in Italian youth football. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) is expected to make a decision on the proposal in 2026. Supporters believe the rule could boost scoring, while critics warn it may hurt defensive tactics.