CPL to Trial New Offside Rule: A Game-Changer for Football?

Wenger propose new offside rule trial, CPL leads football innovation

The Canadian Premier League is set to trial a new offside rule proposed by Arsene Wenger, aiming to boost attacking play and improve match flow.

 “This is about positioning the Canadian Premier League at the forefront of innovation...”

The Canadian Premier League (CPL) is set to trial a new offside rule proposed by Arsene Wenger, FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development, during the 2026 season. The revised interpretation aims to boost attacking play and improve the flow of competitive matches.

Under the new rule, an attacking player will be considered offside only if there's a clear gap, or “daylight,” between them and the defender. This means attackers will be onside if any part of their body that can score is level with or behind the second-to-last defender.

The CPL will conduct the trial in collaboration with FIFA, which will oversee the research and evaluation framework. The league will also introduce Football Video Support (FVS) and other measures to reduce time-wasting and improve match efficiency.

The new offside rule means attackers are only offside if there's a clear gap between them and the defender. If any part of their body that can score is level with or behind the second-to-last defender, they're considered onside.

“This is an important pilot,” ⁠Wenger said.

“By testing this new interpretation in a professional competition, we can better understand its impact, including in terms of improving clarity and the flow of the ‌game and promoting attacking play.”

🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Arsene's Wenger new offside rule has been APPROVED and will be used in the Canadian Premier League!

A player will ONLY be offside if he has FULLY passed the last defender, so it won't be decided based on a body part anymore.

If succesful, the offside rule… pic.twitter.com/bhq41DEB4P

— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) March 2, 2026

The CPL is working closely with FIFA and Canada Soccer to trial the new offside rule. FIFA will oversee the research and evaluation, while Canada Soccer will prep match officials, players, and clubs for the changes.

CPL commissioner James Johnson: “This is about positioning the Canadian Premier League at the forefront of innovation and contributing meaningfully to the global evolution of the game.” The league is trialing a new offside rule and other FIFA-approved measures.

The CPL will introduce Football Video Support (FVS) and other measures to reduce time-wasting and boost match efficiency, alongside the offside trial. These changes aim to improve the game's flow and fan experience.