Changes made to the offside rule

President of FIFA, Joseph Blatter

The offside rule has always been misinterpreted and the football rule makers have sought clarify it in hopes to reduce the widespread uncertainty.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB), which comprises of FIFA officials and four British football associations, had a meeting on Saturday and came to a decision that would be put into effect from 1st July. They changed the rule as to when exactly attackers are influencing play.

According to the rule, an attacker would be considered offside when “gaining an advantage by being in that position” in situations that will now include receiving the ball from a rebound or deflection from the goal frame, or a player in the defending team attempting a tackle, block or save.”

Owing to the series of corruption scandals, the world football organization is undergoing an overhaul. Sources report that the British were asked to cede their control over the IFAB.

“This instituion will go on” said Joseph Blatter, president of FIFA.

However, the IFAB are planning to introduce an entirely new unit to run the body. A technical panel, with whom the IFAB will be consulting, will be formed. The panel is expected to comprise of refereeing experts and a football panel containing around 20 former players and coaches, as well as current coaches.