Fifa wants to improve the offside rule, currently the source of frequent controversy, but it is difficult to find a consensus among the experts discussing the matter, the head of the global soccer body Gianni Infantino said.
The introduction of Var technology has allowed officials to identify offsides which would be imperceptible to the naked eye.
But many feel that, though technically correct, marginal offsides are not in the spirit of the game, especially when it takes several minutes to reach a decision.
"The offside rule has evolved over the last 100 years and we are now discussing it again," Infantino said. "We are looking to see if we can make the offside rule better, not because of Var but because we want to foster offensive football.
"So, the question is, should we give more advantage to the attacking player, which is how offside has evolved over the years, and would it help if there were no more marginal offsides," he added. "These are the discussions which are currently taking place."
The issue is being discussed by soccer's rule-making body IFAB, where Fifa has half of the eight votes, and Infantino said it was not easy to find common ground among its experts, which include former players and referees.
"You usually have split views and opinions," he said.
Infantino also made his customary defence of Var which he made a priority after being elected in 2016 and which was introduced for the 2018 World Cup. - Reuters
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.