FIFA is reportedly on the verge of introducing a significant change to the offside rule, led by none other than former Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger.
Currently serving as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, Wenger has proposed a modification to the offside rule that is set to potentially revolutionise the way the game is played.
The change concerns the criteria used to determine whether a player is offside. Under current regulations, a player is considered offside if any part of their body that can score a goal is nearer to the opposing goal line than the ball, the second-last opponent, or their own half when the ball is played. This new rule, however, suggests that an attacker will remain onside if any part of their body is behind the last defender. The entire goal-scoring body of the player would need to be past the defender to be deemed offside. This shift in perspective clearly benefits attackers, who will gain a considerable advantage when trying to make runs off of opponents. [SunSport]
The first tests of the new rule will be conducted in the Netherlands, Sweden, and Italy. If deemed successful, the rule could be fully implemented, which would bring about significant implications for the sport.
The response to this proposed change has been mixed among football fans. Some supporters believe the new rule could lead to more goals and excitement, eliminating controversial offsides. However, others worry that it might disrupt the balance of the game, allowing attackers to stand offside momentarily, and then have a free run on goal.
In the context of Celtic and Scottish football, the impacts of this new rule could be profound. For one, it might necessitate a shift in defensive strategies in Europe. Defenders who relied on positioning to trap opponents offside may have to adapt their style of play, as speedy forwards could gain a significant advantage from the rule change. This could potentially see a rise in high-scoring games, favouring teams with agile and quick strikers – so in theory it would benefit Celtic, at least domestically.
Furthermore, it may influence the kinds of players that are valued in the transfer market, with emphasis potentially shifting towards fast and intelligent attackers who can exploit the new rule to its fullest.
However, without a detailed understanding of how referees and VAR will interpret and enforce this rule in real-world scenarios, it is difficult to predict its exact impact on the game. The trial period in the Netherlands, Sweden, and Italy should provide valuable insight into how this rule change might alter the landscape of football in Scotland and beyond.
Whether the change will ultimately prove beneficial or detrimental to the sport, and to teams like Celtic, remains to be seen.
