ARSENE WENGER has demanded a change to the offside rule, but it is one that could spell danger for defences.
Wenger, 75, was speaking on beIN Sports’ coverage of Inter Milan’s dramatic 4-3 win over Barcelona in the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Simone Inzaghi’s side have now reached the final twice in the last three years, having been defeated by Manchester City 1-0 in 2023.
The Nerazzurri needed an extra-time winner from Davide Frattesi to earn their place in the final, having surrendered a two-goal lead that had been given to them by Lautaro Martinez and Hakan Calhanoglu.
Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo’s strikes restored parity for Barca before Raphinha notched in the 87th minute to force another half-hour, but it was Frattesi who popped up to edge the tie in Inter’s favour.
During beIN’s coverage, Wenger, who now works for FIFA as Chief of Global Football Development, issued an update on the status of the offside rule.
He hinted that it would be revised after years of controversy, particularly with the introduction of VAR.
The former Arsenal manager believes that the technology takes away the “advantage” given to the attacking side, and as a result, fewer goals are scored.
He explained: “When we decided before VAR that, at the same level, you are not offside anymore, it was 1990, after the World Cup in Italy.
“There were no goals scored. Before, you were offside when you were in line with the defence.
“In 1990, we decided that that was not offside anymore. In case of doubt, the doubt benefits the striker.
“That means when there’s a fraction, like we have just seen now, the striker could get the advantage. With VAR, this advantage disappears.
“I think in England, they counted 37 goals on marginal offsides, and it’s frustrating.
“That’s why I proposed that – as long as any part of your body is on the same line as the defender, you’re not offside.
“We are experiencing it now. In one year, the decision will be made, by IFAB [International Football Association Board], not by me.”
However, Wenger’s revolutionary idea has not gone down well on social media, withn one fan remarking that “it will be impossible to defend against. Will give the attackers a[n] unfair advantage. And not a[n] even playing field will just force teams to sit deep.”
“Wait until teams abandon a high line because of this rule,” another tweeted.
One said: “What he is proposing would have a ripple effect.. the level of entertaining games would reduced, cos most teams would now have low blocks.”
There were a couple of fans in the comments who agreed with the Frenchman, with one saying: “Arsene knows”, and another remarking: “Tell him this man, he understands the game”.
“Very good, Mr Wenger,” one comment read.
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