Best of 2023 – Is changing the offside rule a good idea?

FIFA is considering a revision to the offside rule to bolster attacking play and increase the overall spectacle of the game. However, there is some scepticism about whether this is the best course of action.

The proposal, drafted by the FIFA regulations committee, envisages a change to the current offside rule. The new rule requires an attacker to be completely beyond the defenders’ line, not just a part of the body capable of touching the ball, to be deemed offside. The modified offside rule will initially be trialled in Sweden within the Under 21 men and Under 19 women championships. The Netherlands and Italy have also expressed willingness to implement the rule in their youth leagues.

The offside rule, since its inception in 1859 as part of the Sheffield Rules– the first official football regulations, has undergone multiple alterations. Initially, the rule required four opposing players to be between the receiver of the ball and the opposing goal. In 1866, this was reduced to three players, before the current rule, necessitating only two players, was introduced in 1926 to encourage more scoring and add excitement to the game.

Changes to the offside rule have had significant influences on football tactics over the years. After the rule was changed in 1926, the Cambridge Pyramid strategy declined, making way for new tactics such as the WM formation, famously used by Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, the WW or Metodo strategy spearheaded by Vittorio Pozzo and the innovative tactics of Arrigo Sacchi’s AC Milan.

The most recent amendment to the offside rule, often described as difficult to explain but easy to see, has resulted in many goals being disallowed for marginal infractions, much to the dismay of players, coaches and supporters. The proposed new rule is envisaged to increase goal scoring by recuperating those disallowed for marginal offsides and enhancing the spectacle of the game.

However, there is debate over whether a rule change favouring attackers will truly enhance the spectacle. The current rules may favour defenders, but coaches have tactically evolved defensive strategies, utilising a high defensive line and capitalising on the marginal offside decisions to play with greater forward security. This assertive approach has allowed dominant teams to flourish, while also arming smaller clubs with tactics to take on more formidable opponents confidently.

The revamped offside ruling could benefit attackers already adept at utilising space behind the defenders, effectively turning the offside line into a larger area. Defences may have to adapt, either by deploying deeper and more cautiously or by increasing the distance between their lines, complicating their setup and transitions.

While FIFA’s regulations committee may be convinced that the proposed rule change will enhance the spectacle, there remains scepticism among some.

The Netherlands and Italy have also expressed willingness to implement the proposed offside rule. However, there is debate over whether a rule change favouring attackers will truly enhance the spectacle on the pitch.

The current rules may favour defenders, but coaches have tactically evolved defensive strategies, utilising a high defensive line and capitalising on the marginal offside decisions. They are playing with greater forward security. The assertive approach has allowed dominant teams to flourish, while also arming smaller clubs with tactics to take on more formidable opponents confidently.

The new offside ruling could benefit attackers already adept at utilising space behind the defenders, effectively turning the offside line into a larger area. Defences may have to adapt, either by deploying more deeply and cautiously or by increasing the distance between their lines.

At this point, no definite conclusions can be drawn whether the proposed rule change will genuinely enhance the spectacle of the game. While the FIFA committee seems convinced, others remain skeptical.