Canadian Premier League tests experimental Wenger offside rule

The Canadian Premier League is currently testing an experimental offside rule, known as the ‘Wenger rule’ or ‘daylight offside,’ in collaboration with FIFA. The rule aims to favor attackers by changing how offside positions are judged.

Under current standard regulations, a player is offside if any part of their body that can legally score a goal is ahead of the second-to-last opponent. The new rule being tested requires the attacker's entire body to be past the defender to be considered offside. If any part of the attacker's body remains in line with or behind the defender, the position is ruled legal.

A recent match between Vancouver FC and Inter Toronto provided a clear demonstration of the rule. In the 97th minute, Inter Toronto's Tomasz Skublak scored a volley to equalize the game at 3-3. While the goal would have been disallowed under traditional rules, it was upheld in Canada because part of Skublak's body was still aligned with the defender.

FIFA is using this trial to analyze how the change affects attacking opportunities, the rhythm of the game, and defensive line movement. Arsène Wenger, FIFA's Director of Global Football Development, has long advocated for this change to restore an advantage to attacking players.