Radical innovation for offside rule and VAR! Challenge system on the agenda

One of the most notable changes is the new offside rule proposed by Arsène Wenger in 2021. Dubbed the "Wenger Rule", a player will only be considered offside if their entire body is behind the defensive line. If any part of their body is in line with the defender, play will continue.

DECISIONS WILL BE ANNOUNCED INSTANTLY

In addition, the instant sharing of referee decisions with the public is also on the agenda. This practice, which was tried in the 2023 Women's World Cup, is planned to be brought to men's football. Accordingly, referees will announce their decisions via microphone after VAR reviews.

RIGHT TO REQUEST EXISTING REVIEW

FIFA and IFAB will also evaluate the "challenge" system. This system, which is applied in basketball and American football, will give technical directors a certain number of appeal rights. Technical directors will be able to request VAR review in controversial positions.

THE GAME CAN BE PLAYED UNINTERRUPTED

Another important change concerns the effective playing time. In the current system, the clock only stops at the end of the first and second halves. The new regulation also considers stopping the stopwatch when the ball is not in play. This system, which has been successfully implemented in basketball and American football, could ensure that football matches are played more fairly and without interruption.

Okan Buruk and Jose Mourinho (AA)

This change can create great controversy, especially for the Super League. For example, in the last Fenerbahçe - Galatasaray derby, there were exactly 35 fouls and the game was stopped frequently. Although the total duration of the match was 96 minutes and 19 seconds, the time the ball was in play was calculated as only 49 minutes and 6 seconds.

The decisions to be taken at the meeting on March 1 are expected to come into effect in July 2025. If these changes are approved, the rules of football could change radically.