After several twists and turns, FIFA will finally move forward with a formal test of the so-called "Wenger Act “, a modification in the offside criteria that will be implemented during the 2026 Canadian Premier League season, which is scheduled to start in April.
The initiative was promoted by Arsène Wenger, former Arsenal coach and current Director of Development of the governing body of world football. His proposal aims to redefine when an attacker should be sanctioned for a leading position: he will only be considered offside if his entire body is ahead of the penultimate defender, including the goalkeeper. At present, it is enough for a part of the body with which a goal can be converted to exceed the rival line to make the action invalid
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The idea, originally proposed in 2020, had met with resistance on the International Football Association Board (IFAB), but was finally given the green light to be tested after evaluations and pilot experiences in youth tournaments in Sweden, Italy and
the Netherlands.According to the first analyses, these tests showed an increase in the number of goals and a reduction in VAR review times. The change seeks to promote a more dynamic and offensive football, in line with other historic reforms of the rule.
