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Arsène Wenger is set to persevere in radically changing the offside rules for the first time in 30 years.

Arsène Wenger would be ready to maintain his efforts in favor of a fundamental modification of the law on offside in football.

Current rules consider a player offside if any part of his head, body or feet is closer to his opponent’s goal line than the ball and the penultimate opposing player in his half. .

Wenger wants to push for radical change to offside law

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Wenger wants to push for radical change to offside lawCredit: AFP

These regulations have been in place since 1990, but the Daily Telegraph reports that former Arsenal boss Wenger wants to change them for the first time in more than 30 years.

Wenger, who is now head of global football development at FIFA, believes that if a body part a player can score on is still in line with the defender, he is in the game.

The report suggests such a change in the rules would mean there must be “daylight” between the attacker and defender for offside to be called.

The results of trials in Sweden, Italy and the Netherlands are said to have convinced Wenger before pushing for change at football’s governing body, the International Football Association Board (IFAB).

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One concern with his proposal is that it could give attackers too great an advantage when running towards goal, but Wenger wants football to adopt his new law “as quickly as possible”.

The 74-year-old is, however, expected to come under pressure to lead more trials at the higher levels of football.

“The debate over changing the offside law is not new and it is not something we will soon see introduced at higher levels,” a FIFA spokesperson said.

“The idea was first discussed in 2020 as we felt it was something worth exploring and testing to see the effect it could have on the game.

Current rules can force players offside with the slimmest of margins.

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Current rules can force players offside with the slimmest of margins.Credit: ITV
Forwards could enjoy greater advantage if Wenger switch goes ahead

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Forwards could enjoy greater advantage if Wenger switch goes aheadCredit: Getty

“FIFA is committed to testing the amended offside law, favoring the attacker, which has been applied in some youth competitions across Europe. We will continue these trials, evaluate the results and discuss with all relevant stakeholders.”

Wenger has previously spoken about his radical new change in 2020 amid close calls made by VAR, with some players deemed offside by just millimeters.

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“It’s possible to change the rule and not say part of a player’s nose is offside, so you’re offside because you can score with that,” he said.

“Instead, you will not be offside if a body part capable of scoring a goal is in line with the last defender, even if other body parts of the attacker are in front.

“This will solve the problem and you will no longer have to decide millimeters and fractions of the attacker being in front of the defensive line.”

Controversial offside decisions have particularly angered fans in recent years, particularly when VAR was introduced to the Premier League in 2019.

However, England’s top flight clubs are expected to vote on scrapping VAR as early as this summer, in what could be another big change.

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