'Wenger Law' on hold but VAR rule changes are imminent

Arsene Wenger has been pushing his idea of changing the offside rule. The famous French coach explained that the referee’s flag should be raised only when an attacker creates a real and complete illegal advantage through movement (meaning that his entire body is in front of his defender). However, he will have to wait for the implementation of the “law” he proposed. FIFA will put Wenger’s rule on hold for at least another year, as it believes more important matters need to be addressed at the moment. The trial period of the so-called “Wenger Law” will continue for a while longer, remaining under review for at least another year. The head of FIFA’s global football development department will also have time to make improvements if additional details come to mind. FIFA is currently focused on other priorities — the proper use of VAR technology and reducing time-wasting.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) is responsible for the Laws of the Game and decides on rule changes once a year at its annual general meeting. Decisions are made by eight members — one representative from each of the four British football associations and four representatives from FIFA — and at least six votes are required to approve any change. This year’s meeting will take place on Saturday, February 28, when potential amendments to refereeing rules will be discussed. It is already known that the “Wenger Law” will be paused, while certain matters must be resolved before the start of the FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. New rules regarding VAR technology are expected to begin from that tournament onward. VAR will be allowed to correct clear and obvious errors related to corner kicks, in both directions — determining whether a corner or a goal kick was wrongly awarded. In addition, VAR will now be able to review whether a second yellow card is justified, which was not previously permitted. Greater technological intervention is being sought, but with faster reactions, so as not to waste time or disrupt the flow of the game.

Wenger wins again as revolution begins - new offside rule about to be imposed

In recent months, the idea was also considered that any player receiving medical treatment would be temporarily removed from play for two minutes to prevent the simulation of injuries. However, it now appears that this penalty will be reduced to one minute, after the two-minute rule was tested during the Arab Cup. A definitive countdown will also be introduced for taking goal kicks and throw-ins, with a penalty in the form of a corner or throw-in awarded to the opposing team if the allowed eight seconds are exceeded. Additionally, a rule will be proposed requiring a substituted player to leave the field in less than ten seconds. As a result, the “Wenger Law,” as well as the possibility for coaches to request a VAR challenge, will remain postponed for at least another year. FIFA has decided that there are more pressing issues to address.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 28

Friday

Wolves - Aston Villa 2-0 (0-0)

/Gomes 61, R. Gomez 90+8/

Saturday

15.30: (1.80) Bournemouth (3.60) Sunderland (4.60)

18.00: (4.60) Burnley (3.80) Brentford (1.80)

18.00: (1.42) Liverpool (5.00) West Ham (8.00)

18.00: (1.75) Newcastle (4.00) Everton (4.80)

20.30: (5.35) Leeds (4.25) Manchester City (1.63)

Sunday

17.00: (2.15) Brighton (3.45) Nottingham Forest (3.50)

17.00: (2.15) Fulham (3.60) Tottenham (3.50)

17.00: (1.58) Manchester United (4.50) Crystal Palace (5.70)

19.30: (1.65) Arsenal (4.25) Chelsea (5.30)

***odds are subject to change***