‘Utter nonsense’ – Ex-Liverpool player slams Wenger’s offside proposal

Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann has strongly criticised Arsene Wenger’s proposed “clear daylight” offside rule, describing the idea as “utter nonsense” and warning it could unfairly punish defenders.

The proposed change, put forward by Wenger in his role as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, would only flag a player offside if their entire body is ahead of the last defender.

The rule is set to be tested in the Canadian Premier League this season, but Hamann said the experiment could create serious tactical problems.

Hamann said: “I feel for the people in Canada, I think this is utter nonsense. We’ve got to give defenders a chance.”

The former Germany international argued that the proposal removes an important balance between attackers and defenders.

Hamann said: “Years ago, if you were at the same level, you were offside. They changed it so the same level is not offside for the centre-forward.

“Now, you could potentially be a yard or a yard and a half in front and in a running motion, even if your leg is behind.”

He warned the rule could create situations that defenders cannot realistically control during fast attacking moves.

Hamann said: “You could be running and be a yard, or after half a second, you could be five yards ahead of the defender.

“I think it’s just nonsense because what will happen is we’ll see more penalties anyway because of the handball rule.”

The former midfielder also criticised other recent changes to football’s laws, saying rule adjustments have made officiating more confusing.

Hamann said: “I think the handball rule is a shambles as well.

“With every detail they try to correct, they make it more complex and more confusing. Even the referees at times don’t know when to give a handball or a penalty for a handball.”

Beyond the technical challenges, Hamann warned the proposal could widen the gap between elite clubs and smaller teams.

Hamann said: “This also favours the superior team because they will play more in the opposition’s half.

“There will be more situations where the superior team will have 30 entries into the last 20 yards, while the underdog will have 10 or five.

“Obviously, it favours the big teams. Do we want to see this? No, I don’t want to see this.”

The proposed offside change will be monitored during its trial in the Canadian Premier League, with football authorities expected to assess its impact on gameplay, officiating and competitive balance before any wider implementation is considered.