Question Number: 31125

Law 11 - Offside 12/23/2016

RE: Youth to adult, comp and rec.

Barry Stewart of Chilliwack, BC Canada asks...

This question is a follow up to question 31123

The Spanish game video is a fine example for us to discuss and learn from.

I side with the officials, as there is a clear attempt by the defender to get his foot in the path of the pass.

If he had done the same with his hand or arm, I think most (hopefully all) of us would be calling for a hand ball.

On a side note: Let me be one of the last of 2016 to call for an abolition of the offside rule. I ref 7-a-side and play drop-in soccer where there is no offside and it's just fine. No one is hurt by its exclusion and the beauty of the game is not tarnished.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

http://www.law-11.com/uploads/2/7/9/0/27904083/8626672_orig.jpg
Hi
I am still of the opinion that I would treat this as deflection rather than a deliberate play. It certainly ticks more boxes on the red deflection side than on the green deliberate play side of the UEFA advice to referees on this link above.
I would also say that in games where teams do not focus on offside are all together more enjoyable and less contentious than the games where teams use offside as a defensive tool. I think the offside rule could be tweaked to ensure it does what it was designed for without hurting genuine play.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Barry,
your view is certainly understandable and defensible even if I might choose to disagree with the decision we can notice despite their dejection and desire for it to be ruled as offside, the scored upon team did not really object voraciously at all.
I will revisit his later once I have pulled in some information from abroad.
Cheers and a very Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Answer provided by Referee MrRef

Hi Barry,
well we pursued this video until we received adequate explanation by those whose responsibility is teaching the FIFA referees the LOTG.
AS our panel referees Richard and Joe alluded to this decision ,they were correct!
This was an offside via gaining an advantage via a deflection 100% .
The Match officials were unaware the player who scored was offside positioned. IN the post game review they were upset at missing this call.

From our pitch to your pitch in the spirit of fair play