Wenger offside ‘law’ on trial in Canada as first goal stands under new rule | OneFootball

The Canadian Premier League’s trial of the so-called Wenger offside law delivered its first on-field outcome on Saturday, with a goal awarded under the new interpretation in Wanderers’ 2-2 draw with Pacific FC.

According to L'Équipe, the trial began on four April as the season kicked off, with an interpretation that favours attackers. Offside is given only if there is a clear and complete gap between the attacker and the last defender at the moment of the pass, otherwise play continues if any part of the body is level.

Pacific FC forward Alejandro Diaz opened the scoring in the 20th minute after a corner. The initial effort was saved by the Wanderers goalkeeper, the rebound fell to the Mexican, who was behind the last defender but had part of his right foot level, and he finished into an almost empty net.

Canada is serving as a live testing ground for a reform that is widely debated across the game. The CPL is the first professional league to adopt it.

The league will submit its observations to FIFA in the coming months.

Source: L'Équipe