Wenger offside overhaul meets resistance from UEFA and British FAs

According to Goal, former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has suffered a setback after UEFA and the British Football Associations opposed his proposal to change the offside law.

Wenger has proposed that attackers be deemed onside if any part of their body is level with the last outfield defender, a change he says would end marginal decisions and see more goals; he told beIN Sports that doubt should benefit the striker. Trials have taken place and FIFA president Gianni Infantino has hinted at approval, but The Times reports that UEFA and the British FAs consider the idea 'too drastic' and fear it would create 'huge change'. A suggested compromise would measure only the torso, not feet, legs or head.

FIFA want new trials of the so-called 'Wenger Law' authorised next month by the IFAB, which could lead to implementation, but British FAs and UEFA look set to oppose the plan. A source told The Times to 'be careful not to ruin the game' and CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani has urged much more testing; any proposal would need six IFAB votes, while FIFA has four and the British FAs each have one.

Key Topics

Sports, Arsene Wenger, Wenger Law, Offside Rule, Ifab, Uefa