Arsene Wenger is now FIFA's chief of global football development and is outspoken on his vision for the sport with the laws around offside one of the areas he would like to see changed
Arsene Wenger has suggested a major reform of football's offside rule could come as soon as next year. The legendary Arsenal boss has long been a chief proponent of making a change and it is now on the agenda.
Wenger, now FIFA's chief of global football development, hopes to introduce a 'daylight' principle to offsides. A player would be deemed as onside if any part of their body that can score a goal is behind or level with the relevant defender.
The idea was first proposed as early as 2020 and after positive trials in Sweden, Italy and the Netherlands and Wenger has hoped to push forward quickly with changes through the International FA Board (IFAB).
And there seems to have been some acceleration to Wenger's bid to fix the issues around offside decisions, with a possible judgement coming next year. Speaking on beIN Sports, Wenger said: "In 1990 it was decided that it's not offside if you're on the same line as the defender and the striker has advantage if there was doubt.
"With VAR, this advantage disappeared. I think in England they cancelled 37 goals on marginal offsides, it's very frustrating. It's why I proposed that as long as you're on the same line, you're not offside. In one year the decision will be made by IFAB, not by me."
Wenger has proven an open book in his thoughts on football in recent weeks. The Frenchman may have caused uproar in some areas of Manchester and London as he suggested it is 'not right' that the winner of the Europa League is rewarded with a place in the Champions League.
Manchester United and Tottenham are both in advantageous positions to make the competition's finale and the Premier League could find itself with an additional spot in the Champions League. UEFA made the decision to offer a place in the competition as a reward for victory in the Europa League back in 2014
Wenger has called for that to be reviewed, and believes the policy is unfair. Asked for his position, he said. "No - they should qualify automatically for the Europa League again but not necessarily for the Champions League.
"Especially when you're in the Premier League where already five teams qualify. I think it's something (for Uefa) to think about and to review.
"On the other hand people will tell you that to keep the Europa League focused, interesting and motivated you need to give them that prize (of qualifying for the Champions League)."
As it stands, despite United and Spurs both being in the bottom half of the Premier League, they could win a place in Europe's top competition. Four teams in the league usually qualify but the Premier League have won an extra spot due to the collective performance of English teams in Europe.
A tournament win from United or Spurs would see a sixth place awarded.
dougiefresh
0
Am marking this comment for future reference 😄
I will do the same, good luck
Vowcdeirtz
0
Man U fans, you are not being reasonable! Even if rule will be scrapped, it wouldn’t happen this year. Common sense isn’t that common😳
can't you be polite?
pumbikrt
0
Man U fans, you are not being reasonable! Even if rule will be scrapped, it wouldn’t happen this year. Common sense isn’t that common😳
another animal talking, shameless club and coach
Olilatonny95
2
all I know is that it's Tottenham and United that has costed Wenger the most in his coaching career. so his statement can be related by legends
Kiycdeisz
1
Man U fans, you are not being reasonable! Even if rule will be scrapped, it wouldn’t happen this year. Common sense isn’t that common😳
See you that is sensible, no wonder you in the mess u are now. Netflix
Gberto
0
If Lyon or another French team could be illegible for direct qualification to UCL Wenger wouldn't have made that statement
wizluvawak4u
0
let say if Arsenal were in such a situation will Wenger says the same...?
I wonder .o
wizluvawak4u
0
Man U fans, you are not being reasonable! Even if rule will be scrapped, it wouldn’t happen this year. Common sense isn’t that common😳
it not fair because it will make European league to be more important because of that and team can be Vitim next time
Joydlpstuy
0
Wenger u spent 20yrs at Arsenal but u didn't win Europa league or champions league so u don't have any sense about league from Europe nonsense
Yuocelpt
1
Wenger you are such a fool for saying that
AFerLDra8688
1
Man U fans, you are not being reasonable! Even if rule will be scrapped, it wouldn’t happen this year. Common sense isn’t that common😳
wobabcdnyz
1
He spoke out of jealousy.
Mayhem87
0
old He-goat 😒
Dokbdiklu
1
but why was number 3 in the Champion League was dropping in the Europa league previously silly Wenger
janklopryz
2
Rubbish! This decision has been there since 2014 and he didn’t have any problems with it but now that it’s involving Manchester United, he sees it with a problem atase
mapbcelt
0
after so many years the rules implemented that champion of europa league get a place in champion league next season , now only wenger voice out this... isit becos of the final might be 2 EPL team n also his old time rival... i think is fair that the champion can start to fight from 1st round of champion league if the team standing in the league is lower than 8....just sharing of my thoughts
it's actually quite a recent change. i agree with wenger. it's like a sneaky back door, it doesn't seem fair. automatic qualification for europa again would be appropriate. if you want more than that - get better lol
Olilatonny95
2
premiere league is so tough that even relegated Ipswich can beat Barcelona hands down. that league is not for farmers and Wenger is so lucky that he's no longer coaching in the PL. he would have relegated Arsenal five years ago Cos things have turned differently
Kingkev022
0
he's just jealous becuz bottlenal can't win ucl or,Europa for that matter
Am marking this comment for future reference 😄
lazychild226
1
after so many years the rules implemented that champion of europa league get a place in champion league next season , now only wenger voice out this... isit becos of the final might be 2 EPL team n also his old time rival... i think is fair that the champion can start to fight from 1st round of champion league if the team standing in the league is lower than 8....just sharing of my thoughts
Rowdimntz
0
You can't be a legend in managerial career without European trophies keep carrying PSG do ur work tonight
dougiefresh
6
he's just jealous becuz bottlenal can't win ucl or,Europa for that matter
Kesadlor
1
europa winner should be in UCL first round qualifier
Vuzbmrstuy
1
jealous
Viacdiknru
0
🤬🤬🤬🖕🖕🖕🖕🖕🖕
The_Red_DeviIs
3
All this clown does is whinge and cry about the rules and makes up lies about players he “almost signed”
pabbdosty
0
Is the man naturally OLD
Doybdiknsu
4
let say if Arsenal were in such a situation will Wenger says the same...?