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Offside Revolution: Canada Tests Arsène Wenger's Vision
20 Apr
Summary
- A new 'daylight' offside rule was tested in Canada.
- The rule allows attackers completely behind defenders to score.
- Results could change global offside rules by 2027/28.
The Canadian Premier League (CPL) is currently piloting an experimental 'daylight' offside rule, a concept previously advocated by Arsène Wenger. This innovative interpretation allows an attacking player to be considered onside even if partially obscured by a defender, provided they are completely behind the last defender when the ball is played.
The first goal scored under this new rule occurred on Saturday, April 18, 2026, during a match between Pacific FC and Halifax Wanderers. Alejandro Diaz of Pacific FC found the net, a goal that would have been disallowed under traditional offside laws. The CPL is testing this rule to minimize marginal offside calls and promote more attacking play.
Following similar trials in Italy's Under-18 championship and Dutch youth competitions, the CPL is the first top-tier league to implement this change. The findings from these trials will be presented to the International Football Association Board (IFAB) at the end of the year. Should the results be positive, a worldwide adoption of the 'daylight' offside rule could be implemented for the 2027/28 European football season.
