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CPL Trials Arsene Wenger's Radical New Offside Law
31 Mar
Summary
- The CPL will implement Arsene Wenger's 'daylight' offside rule.
- Attacker is onside if any body part is level with the last defender.
- Head coaches can now challenge calls using a review card system.
Beginning April 4, the Canadian Premier League (CPL) will become the first professional league to implement Arsene Wenger's new 'daylight' offside rule. This pilot program, supported by FIFA and the International Football Association Board (IFAB), aims to boost attacking play.
Wenger, FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development, explained that an attacker will be deemed onside as long as no visible daylight exists between them and the second-to-last defender. This interpretation only considers a player offside if there is a clear gap.
In addition to the offside rule change, CPL head coaches will now be able to challenge key officiating decisions. By using a review card, coaches can request a review of incidents like goal-line technology, penalties, or red cards, provided the request is made immediately after the event.
FIFA views this as a significant trial to understand the new offside interpretation's impact on game clarity and flow. The CPL's willingness to test these regulations, previously limited to youth football, is crucial for its development.
