Arsene Wenger, FIFA’s head of global development, has proposed a ‘daylight’ offside rule where attackers are onside if any part of their body is level with the last defender.
Wenger argues this would restore an attacking advantage lost with VAR, citing a similar rule change after the low-scoring 1990 World Cup that led to more goals.
Currently, a player is offside if any part of their body (excluding arms/hands) is beyond the last defender.
Trials of Wenger’s proposal are underway in youth football, with a potential final decision by IFAB in 2026 after further assessment.
IFAB aims to see if the change boosts attacking football.
Major leagues currently use semi-automated offside technology.
The proposal follows previous rule changes like the back-pass rule and three points for a win, all intended to encourage more attacking play.
