The offside rule in football, while one of its most fundamental aspects, is also one of the most complex and debated elements of the game. For the longest of times, it was the most controversial rule, creating tensest of moments in football history. Even after the introduction of VAR to clarify and avoid mistakes, offsides are amongst the most talked about football rules. Our blog will seek to demystify this offside rule. We will trace the history of the very idea, look back at the most talked about offside rulings and also discuss the role of VAR in the whole picture.
First Up – What is an Offside?
Simply put, a player is in an offside position if they are nearer to the opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent. This rules prevents strikers from just camping near the opponents’ goal post or the penalty box and actually forces them to play smart and look for advantages.
The offside is not applicable:
- During a goal kick
- During a corner kick
- During a throw-in
- When a player got the ball from an opponent
- If the player is in their own half
Offside Rule Explained (in 3 minutes)
It’s crucial to note that being in an offside position is not an offense by itself. The violation is only called when the player in an offside position becomes actively involved in a play (is targeted with a pass, receives a lucky bounce, etc.)
You can read a more in-depth overview of football rules regarding offside here.
History of the offside football rule
Even though it hasn’t been through much change recently, since the start of organized football matches, the offside rule has been subject to many alterations.
Originally borrowed from the Cambridge Rules in 1863, the rule has evolved from a very strict regulation that penalised any player ahead of the ball. Consider these rules a sort of connection to the ones that are used in rugby.
Then football moved to a more nuanced regulation called the “three-player rule” (that was all the way back in 1866). Next, organizers wanted more attacking and thus “two-player rule” came about in mid 1920s. Finally, we have the current revision from the 1990. The rules state that the player cannot be offside if he is level with the second to last defender.
You could argue that there were alterations when in 2005 rules specified which body parts are considered when determining an offside position, but these are just nuances, not total rule changes.
Famous offside calls
Let’s look at a few examples of notable offside instances. Some were wrongly called, others were wrongly missed. Each of them had major consequences.
Carlos Tevez, 2010 FIFA WC, Argentina vs Mexico
This goal had major consequences for both teams. If this was officiated properly, Carlos’ Tevez’ goal would be disallowed and Mexicans might have not been dealt the quick knockout that they had.
World Cup 2010 – Argentina vs Mexico – Tevez offside goal (1-0)
Belgium scores two offside goals vs USSR, 1986 WC
Back in 1986, the World Cup had no shortage of intrigue. In the Round of 16, USSR faced a Belgium squad. The Soviets had the upper hand twice, but Belgium equalised. However, no more than a few glances at the replay and you can immediately tell that they were scored from offside. The 2nd goal is especially foul as the sideline official might not have been paying attention at all.
However, karma must exist as when Belgium advances to the World Cup semis, they faced Maradona’s Argentina. In the game they received two wrong offside calls in the 1st half, potentially stopping a goal-scoring opportunity. You might say poetic justice.
Soviet Union 3-4 Belgium world cup 1986 | Full highlight | 1080p HD
Luis Diaz’ Goal is Disallowed vs Spurs
Some of more recent drama involves the 2023-24 Premier League’s Campaign and the heated game between title-hopefuls Liverpool and the always dangerous Tottenham Hotspurs. Referees ruled out the first goal by the Merseyside’s player but that was deemed a mistake. It might have been the costliest mistake for Liverpool because they ended up losing 1-2.
FULL VAR AUDIO: Luis Diaz DISALLOWED goal | Astro SuperSport
The Role of VAR in Offside Rulings
The introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system has significantly impacted the flow of the game and determination of rule violations.
VAR reviews offside decisions with AI and digital tools to ensure maximum accuracy, utilizing semi-automated technology for precision. This mostly eliminates the human factor and possibility of small mistakes.
The tech behind VAR marks a significant shift in officiating, aiming to reduce controversy. However, even with the potential benefits, BBC’s survey in 2023 showed that almost 66% of English football fans don’t like the system and want it gone…
