FIFA, the governing body of international football, is gearing up to implement a groundbreaking new offside rule in the sport, just before the commencement of the 2023/24 season. This innovative rule will be first tested in three countries: Netherlands, Italy, and Sweden. The proposal for this rule has come from none other than former Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, who currently serves as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, a role he has held for the past four years.
Revised Offside Rule: A Major Change for Football
Presently, a player is deemed offside if any part of their body that can be used to score a legitimate goal is ahead of the last defender’s body part in the opponent’s half. However, under the newly proposed rule by FIFA, a player will only be considered offside if their entire body is ahead of the last defender. In other words, if any part of the attacker’s body is behind the last defender, they will remain onside.
This significant alteration in the offside rule is expected to bring joy to attackers who will have more leeway to maneuver near the goal. On the flip side, defenders, who already find it challenging to cope with the fast-paced attacking football of the modern era, may face added difficulties with this change.
The “Anti Dibu Martinez” Rule: Regulating Goalkeepers during Penalty Shootouts
The 2022 FIFA World Cup witnessed an intriguing moment during the penalty shootouts when Argentina’s goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, attempted to distract the penalty takers in various ways, such as throwing the ball and scrubbing the penalty spot with his toes. In response to such tactics, FIFA is now introducing the “Anti Dibu Martinez” rule. This rule will apply to all goalkeepers and aims to prevent them from provoking the penalty taker using any means.
According to this new regulation, goalkeepers will not be allowed to touch the goal posts or crossbar, or engage in any actions that would result in delaying the execution of the penalty. This measure seeks to ensure fair and undisturbed penalty-taking scenarios during critical moments of the game.
Adding Celebration Time to Stoppage Time
In another modification, FIFA is making changes to the way stoppage time is calculated. For every second a player spends celebrating a goal, an equivalent amount of time will be added to the stoppage time of the half. This adjustment intends to deter excessive time-wasting during goal celebrations, maintaining a fair balance between gameplay and celebrations.
Identifying and Sanctioning Bench Incidents
To address potential incidents involving individuals on the bench, FIFA is proposing an additional rule. If someone on the bench is caught engaging in “illegal” actions and cannot be identified by the referee, the coach will automatically be sanctioned. This measure holds the coach accountable for the behavior of their team members, even if the specific individual responsible cannot be pinpointed.
Likewise, if a player from the bench acts or says something that goes against the rules, the manager will bear the consequences, promoting discipline and responsibility on the sidelines.
Conclusion
FIFA’s introduction of these new rules aims to enhance fairness, sportsmanship, and the overall excitement of football matches. With a focus on striking the right balance between attack and defense, preserving the sanctity of penalty shootouts, and maintaining proper conduct on the sidelines, these changes are expected to positively impact the beautiful game. Football enthusiasts worldwide eagerly anticipate the implementation of these rules and the potential