FIFA Close to Introducing New Changes to Offside Rules After Arsene Wenger’s Proposals

Arsene Wenger’s efforts for a change in offside laws appear to be bearing fruit, with FIFA, the world governing body of football, planning to test the new proposals.

Wenger has been open in his support for changing the offside regulations. Since leaving Arsenal in 2018, the former manager has served as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development.

Under current rules, a player is often judged offside if any portion of his body capable of playing the ball is ahead of the last defender. This has frequently resulted in lengthy Video Assistant Referee (VAR) checks, with goals ruled out owing to the smallest of margins.

What is Wenger proposing?

The legendary former manager wants the whole body of a player, not just a part, to be ahead of the last defender for it to be deemed as offside.

FIFA is now set to heed to Wenger’s proposals, with Sweden becoming the first league to put the proposed changes to use. As Sports Joe reports, the country’s men’s U-21 and women’s U-19 leagues will use the new rules before it moves to other leagues in the Netherlands and in Italy.

After the trial, FIFA will sit down to discuss its impact and possible adoption before it is forwarded to the International Football Association Board(IFAB) which approves any permanent rules of the game.

Inside the changes to Ballon d’Or rules

Sports Brief has previously reported that The 2023 Ballon d’Or debate has already shaped into a battle between an existing superstar and one of his heir apparent.

At 35 years old, Lionel Messi is still in the running to win the individual prize and remains a strong candidate to win a record-extending eighth title, but Erling Haaland is set to have a say as well.

L’Equipe, the magazine responsible for organising the annual gala where the best individual performances are feted, announced changes to the Ballon d’Or rules in 2021, shortly after Messi had clinched his 7th gong,