
<p>Lee Mason has not been selected as a video assistant referee for this weekend’s <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> fixtures. Mason has been under pressure since he <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/premier-league-referees-to-meet-after-weekend-of-var-mistakes-20230213-WST-419626.html">failed to correctly check for offside</a> during Brentford’s tying goal against <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/teams/arsenal-tv-schedule/">Arsenal</a> on Saturday. </p>



<p>Checking potential offside in the buildup for goals is one of the key job attributes of a VAR official.</p>



<h5>Wrongly allowed goal could impact EPL title race</h5>



<p>Replays showed Christian Nørgaard was in an <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/footballdaily/status/1625099254959071233" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">offside position</a> when the ball was played to him ahead of Brentford’s goal. The midfielder then crossed the ball to Ivan Toney, who put the ball into the net. Mason apparently reviewed the goal, but somehow never drew the offside lines on the screen to check if Norgaard was offside.</p>



<p>Allowing Toney’s goal could very well have major implications on the Premier League title race. Because of the draw, league leaders Arsenal are now just three points ahead of <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-city-tv-schedule/">Manchester City</a> in the table. A victory for the Gunners would have extended their lead atop the standings to five points. Arsenal and City face off on Wednesday. The reigning English champions could leapfrog the Gunners with a win on the day.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🗣️ “The fact of the matter is that this could have serious consequences in the title run in for Arsenal. You don’t forget to draw the line, that’s part of your job. You either deliberately don’t do it or you’ve forgot.”<a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/1kevincampbell?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@1kevincampbell</a>’s passionate rant about VAR officials. 😡 <a href="https:\/\/t.co/1m9jGXsTqc">pic.twitter.com/1m9jGXsTqc</a></p>— Football Daily (@footballdaily) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/footballdaily/status/1625091094793822211?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>Lee Mason gets second weekend off in Premier League due to errors</h2>



<p>This will the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/09/06/lee-mason-off-var-after-newcastle-palace-man-u-arsenal-errors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">second time this season</a> that Mason will be given a weekend off for inept decisions. The 51-year-old former match referee had a hand in wrongly disallowing an Arsenal goal against <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-united-tv-schedule/">Manchester United</a> in September.  One day prior to chalking off the Martinelli goal, Mason made VAR mistakes in a Newcastle-Crystal Palace matchup as well.</p>



<p>John Brooks, another VAR official for the Premier League, also earned time off because of similar issues at a Brighton game. The referee schedule had Brooks in the VAR chair for the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/liverpool-break-slump-with-comfortable-everton-win-20230213-WST-419701.html">Merseyside Derby on Monday</a> and the Arsenal-City game on Wednesday. However, the Premier League replaced him for both games.</p>



<p>Chief refereeing official in England Howard Webb had to issue apologies to both Arsenal and Brighton earlier this week. Webb also reportedly conducted a meeting on Tuesday with his VAR officials to discuss recent issues.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Action Plus</em></p>


VAR official Lee Mason will not work a Premier League match at the weekend because of an error during a previous game.

Ref Lee Mason dropped from weekend Premier League games


<p>Referees were all over the headlines in the Premier League this past weekend due to major and costly VAR mistakes. Three major misses had a pivotal say over the final score of games with significant importance. As a result, Premier League referee chief Howard Webb called a meeting for Tuesday.</p>



<p>The meeting addresses what happened in the West Ham-Chelsea, Brighton-Crystal Palace and the Arsenal-Brentford games. In the first, there was seemingly a clear handball in the box from West Ham’s Tomas Soucek. VAR deemed it not to be a handball, much to the displeasure of Chelsea on Twitter. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="ht" dir="ltr">Tomas Soucek. <a href="https://t.co/1jdH2D5SLM">https://t.co/1jdH2D5SLM</a> <a href="https://t.co/WfENv2lQv1">pic.twitter.com/WfENv2lQv1</a></p>— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC/status/1624531846368317447?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Elsewhere, VAR official John Brooks wrongly disallowed a Brighton goal against Crystal Palace. <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12810079/referee-john-brooks-replaced-for-liverpool-vs-everton-after-var-error-which-denied-brighton-goal-at-crystal-palace" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brooks drew the offside lines incorrectly</a>, and the goal did not stand. If Brooks drew the lines correctly from Mark Guéhi, the goal would have stood. Then, in Arsenal’s game against Brentford, VAR official Lee Mason only looked at one Brentford player’s position, Ethan Pinnock, who was onside. Christian Nørgaard, who played the ball in the buildup to Ivan Toney’s equalizer, was offside. The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/feb/13/premier-league-officials-meeting-var-errors-howard-webb-arsenal-brighton" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">goal should not have counted</a>.</p>



<p>As a result of Mason’s blunder, Arsenal dropped points again, shrinking the lead at the top of the table to three with a game against Manchester City on Wednesday.</p>



<h2>Referee meeting to address VAR mistakes in Premier League</h2>



<p>John Brooks, the VAR official for the Brighton-Palace game, had the same role for Monday’s Merseyside Derby between Everton and Liverpool <em>and </em>Wednesday’s Arsenal-City fixture. However, the referee body removed Brooks from those assignments. In his stead, Andre Marriner and David Coote will be the VAR officials, respectively.</p>



<p>Howard Webb is an advocate for VAR. Still, he admits that he holds his officials to a higher standard. The meeting on Tuesday will go over the most recent calamities, while also deciding the referee assignments for the upcoming weekend’s set of games. </p>



<p>These three mistakes are not the first instances of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/09/03/david-moyes-fumes-at-disputed-var-decision/">VAR being the headline</a> following key games. The offside ruling in the Manchester derby for Bruno Fernandes’s goal was certainly a hot topic, as was Gabriel Martinelli’s opener against Manchester United. </p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / PA Images</em></p>


Three separate VAR mistakes at the weekend forced Premier League officials to call an emergency meeting on the topic.

Premier League referees to meet after weekend of VAR mistakes


<p>The <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/scottish-premiership-tv-schedule/">Scottish Premiership</a>, and select competitions across the SPFL, is bringing in VAR a couple of months ahead of schedule, the <a href="https:\/\/spfl.co.uk/news/var-to-be-introduced-this-month" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">league announced on Wednesday</a>.</p>



<p>In a vote back in April, 41 out of 42 clubs voted to bring VAR to Scotland. They agreed that the change would come <em>after </em>the upcoming World Cup. However, the officials decided to use the technology this month.</p>



<p>Scottish clubs hounded the SPFL to bring in VAR quicker than previously agreed upon. FIFA, the world’s governing body of the sport, agreed with the decision and gave the green light.</p>



<p>SPFL Chief Operating Officer Calum Beattie explained the decision to introduce VAR ahead of schedule. “When 41 out of 42 clubs voted at our General Meeting in April to introduce VAR into the cinch Premiership, we said that the technology would be introduced after the World Cup,” Beattie claimed in a statement on Wednesday.</p>



<p>“Our clubs made clear that they wished for VAR to be introduced as soon as possible and the Scottish FA deserve real credit for being able to make this announcement ahead of schedule.”</p>



<p>Referees have seemingly been under the microscope more and more in recent years. Nevertheless, Crawford Allan, Head of Referee Operations in Scotland, has applauded the decision. “We are delighted to have received approval to introduce VAR in Scottish football,” Allan stated.</p>



<p>“As we have seen across the world, VAR has helped ensure a higher percentage of on-field refereeing decisions are accurate and that is a principle our match officials support.”</p>



<h2>Adding VAR to SPFL</h2>



<p>However, the SPFL does not plan on using VAR in the same fashion as other countries. According to the official statement by SPFL, the organization does not list offsides as part of the VAR criteria.</p>



<p>Instead, its sole purpose lies in red card situations, penalty area incidents, goals, and cases of mistaken identity. Scottish stadiums will now have a minimum of six cameras to help ensure as many quality viewing angles as possible.</p>



<p>Along with league matches, VAR arrives in the Scottish Cup and League Cup semi-finals and finals. The first match to involve VAR will be an October 21st game between Hibernian and St. Johnstone.</p>


The Scottish Professional Football League, or SPFL, is the latest country to add VAR to its games. However, there is a major difference.

SPFL to introduce VAR later this month

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<p>Not long ago, World Soccer Talk brought up <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/06/18/as-soccer-evolves-so-must-the-rules-5-changes-to-consider/">five potential rule changes</a> to soccer. By no means are these proposed by FIFA or any domestic league. In fact, those leagues look fairly set in stone.</p>
<p>However, every now and then, rumors start to stir up over how the governing bodies could modify the rule book. Small things like cooling breaks are one thing. Yet, instances of reducing the length of games to deciding major fixtures with golden goal appear to be just one step away.</p>
<p>This is not to say all changes are bad. In fact, there is an argument to be made that adding the number of substitutions in the games makes them more exciting. As seen in the English Premier League, teams now have access to <a href="https:\/\/www.espn.com/soccer/english-premier-league/story/4630827/premier-league-clubs-to-reintroduce-five-substitutes-rule-from-next-season" target="_blank" rel="noopener">five substitutions</a> as opposed to the three from previous years. This allows players to be at full fitness, hypothetically making games more even and balanced. It also lessens the likely for injury, which continues to be a problem in the sport.</p>
<p>Then, there is something like VAR. Everyone loves to hate Video Assistant Referees because they are beyond picky when it comes to calls. Could this be changed in some way? Totally removed? Everyone has a take in that regard.</p>
<h3>Rule changes in soccer</h3>
<p>We want to know if you would change anything about the current rule set of soccer in the world. There are often small differences for each league. Yet, your favorite league may only allow three substitutions, for example.</p>
<p>What are the biggest changes, or smallest changes, for that matter, that you would make to soccer? Or, perhaps you think the game, as it is right now, is perfect. Hard to argue with how exciting games can be. Refereeing issues and controversy may just be part of it!</p>
<p>Use the comment section below to let us know.</p>
<p><em>PHOTO: Patrick Goosen/Orange Pictures/BSR Agency/Getty Images</em></p>


Everybody thinks new is better. Is this always the case? What rule changes do you think should come to soccer, if any?

What rule changes would you like to see in the world of soccer? - World Soccer Talk

What rule changes would you like to see in the world of soccer?

<div><figure class="image"></figure></div>
<p>Over the last few years, technology and Artificial Intelligence made serious advances in the world, including soccer and sport. Each month, articles and speculation arise regarding robots removing people from everyday jobs in the coming years.</p>
<p>Consequently, that trend leaks into the beautiful game. First, goal-line technology established itself in the sport around the world. Since then, Video Assistant Referee, or VAR, entered the fray for major competitions across the globe.</p>
<p>Recently, FIFA announced the debut of ‘semi-automated’ offside coming to <a href="https:\/\/www.fifa.com/technical/media-releases/semi-automated-offside-technology-to-be-used-at-fifa-world-cup-2022-tm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the World Cup in Qatar</a>. It is the first use of the technology in the sport, coming on the biggest stage possible. So, it appears robots enter mainstream use earlier than anticipated. FIFA expresses that these changes come to make the game better. Yet, does technology actually make the sport a better spectacle?</p>
<h3>Technology’s growth in soccer</h3>
<p>Now, there are some arguments that goal-line technology has had a positive impact. It measures something definite or binary. Simply put, the ball is completely across the line, or it is not.&nbsp; On the other hand, VAR adds another layer of scrutiny to a refereeing decision. In doing so, the technology in soccer is still subjective in this regard. The determining opinion comes from the man in the middle or the VAR booth.</p>
<p>Ahead of <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">the 2022 World Cup</a>, FIFA introduced the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/02/09/fifa-backs-semi-automated-offside-system-to-boost-var/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">semi-automated offside</a> to the Club World Cup and the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2021/12/02/semi-automated-offside-debuts-at-2021-arab-cup/">Arab Cup</a>. On both occasions, FIFA claimed the technology worked well.</p>
<p>For the uninitiated, the new system combines a sensor inside the ball to measure when a pass is played. That sensor sends a signal 500 times per second, so a kick isn’t missed. Then, 12 multi-tracking and synchronizes cameras can alert the referee to an offside decision. It makes it binary. Well, the words of arguably the best referee of the past 30 years, Pierluigi Collina, who backs the new technology in soccer, suggested some shade. “<a href="https:\/\/www.news24.com/citypress/sport/fifa-figures-out-new-technology-to-speed-up-offside-decisions-20220701" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Technology works most of the time</a>,” he said.</p>
<h5>Most of the time*</h5>
<p>Implementing this allows the VAR officials to come to a conclusion quicker. They no longer rewind the video of the forward pass to suspect an offside decision. Yet, soccer fans rely on technology that works ‘most’ of the time. What happens if it fails in the World Cup Final? Who is to blame then? These are constantly moving aspects of the game. The ball, the passer, the pass recipient and the defense.</p>
<p>With goal-line technology, it’s a moving ball and a static goalpost. It’s far easier to monitor and determine an outcome. It is churlish to suggest the technology is not advanced enough to deal with the multiple facets involved in offside decisions. Still, the computational brains behind VAR do not often help when the person interpreting the imagery still get it wrong.</p>
<p>Leeds United had a goal disallowed for offside when the VAR officials made a questionable decision. Patrick Bamford, whose body, head and legs were all onside, <a href="https:\/\/talksport.com/football/785820/var-patrick-bamford-goal-offside-crystal-palace-leeds/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">pointed where he wanted the ball played</a>. His hand extended beyond the last defender, and VAR ruled the play offside. Could he score with his hand? No. Does a pointing motion give him an added advantage regarding his ability to run? No. It was ridiculous.</p>
<p>In the same season, Fulham suffered a loss at the hands of Spurs. A <a href="https:\/\/www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/breaking-law-change-var-football-23614479" rel="noopener" target="_blank">handball decision against Mario Lemina</a>‘s arm took away a potential crucial point. Lemina’s arm rested by his side, and it was clear that it was not a handball. That one point could have proved pivotal in Fulham’s bid for survival, which came up short.</p>
<h5>The classic game</h5>
<p>The debate around refereeing decisions has one which the fans love to get involved with. But, it is something done over a beer before or after a game. The top referees earn that designation because they excel at their job. Collina serves as the perfect example. He garnered respect because he got things right to go with his fearsome <a href="https:\/\/mobile.twitter.com/FIFAWorldCup/status/1539246766754869250" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Hills have Eyes</a> look!? He didn’t get there by metrics, or the ability to interpret a badly drawn line on a video screen.</p>
<p>Soccer is not something requiring perfection and cleanliness. Technology is not the key to overhaul the sport. It can complement the game, but there are far too many ways in which tech will turn soccer into a more monotonous, almost predictable, and arguably dull sport. And before we know it, will that then signal the point when the T3000 will replace footballers on the pitch too? No, thank you.</p>
<p><em>PHOTO: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images</em></p>


Technology is making an increased push in soccer via the semi-automated offside at the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Is it perhaps overextending?

Why soccer needs better referees, not more technology - World Soccer Talk

Why soccer needs better referees, not more technology

<div id="attachment_360233" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><div><figure class="image"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-360233" class="wp-caption-text">Photo by Athena Pictures/Getty Images</p></div>
<p>Semi-automated offside represents the newest stage of technological-integration of soccer.</p>
<p>First off, goal-line technology provided definitive right and wrong for whether or not the ball crossed the goal line. Next, Video Assistant Referee (VAR) allowed officials to get a closer look via replay at infractions on the pitch. Taking that a step further, a new technology allows VAR to recognize infractions in real time via cameras and software.</p>
<p>Making its debut at the <a href="https:\/\/www.fifa.com/tournaments/mens/arabcup" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2021 Arab Cup</a>, semi-automated offside involves a set of cameras inside stadiums that track each player. The cameras, which connect to software at the designated offside video operations area, track players throughout the game.</p>
<p>However, the key for this new technology remains in the name: semi-automated offside. Therefore, there is still that ever-important human element. The camera and software simply alert the VAR of a potential offside in near-real time. Then, it is still up to the official in the video booth to make the decision.</p>
<p>For the first time, fans will get to see this software in action. The 2021 Arab Cup in Qatar acts as a trial for the technology. However, it may provide the chance that it appears in one year for the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/11/19/one-year-from-world-cup-clock-ticks-ever-louder-for-qatar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2022 World Cup</a>, also held in Qatar.</p>
<h3>Semi-automated offside</h3>
<p>As stated previously, the sport grows more technological as advancements continue on that front. There is certainly opposition to this increased-use of cameras, videos and sensors, but FIFA continues its push to essentially clean the game of errors.</p>
<p>With its debut at the 2021 Arab Cup, semi-automated offside utilizes the modern stadiums (<a href="https:\/\/www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/aug/26/qatar-has-failed-to-explain-up-to-70-of-migrant-worker-deaths-in-past-10-years-amnesty" target="_blank" rel="noopener">built amidst controversy</a>) to provide an accurate assistance on infractions missed by the officials.</p>
<p>Yet, as FIFA mention in its explanation of the new implementation, offside is not a clear-cut infraction. Goal-line technology is simple, the ball is either across the line or it is not. VAR allowed some clarification on offside, despite some fanbases maligning the technology. Semi-automated offside could be just as stringent, if not more.</p>
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="FIFA&apos;s Semi-Automated Offside Technology" width="500" height="281" src="https:\/\/www.youtube.com/embed/f9GJraSVFFo?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
<h5>How it works</h5>
<p>The <a href="https:\/\/www.fifa.com/tournaments/mens/arabcup/arabcup2021/match-schedule" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2021 Arab Cup</a> will be interesting to see. Fans watching from home often get a glimpse into the rulings made by the VAR official, although it can still be somewhat confusing.</p>
<p>With the more intricate tendencies of this new implementation, there is always the possibility FIFA does not show certain camera angles. However, let’s break down how it works.</p>
<p>With a tournament such as the 2021 Arab Cup, there are six stadiums in use. At each stadium, there are a set of cameras under the roofs that actively and continuously track each player on the field. Moreover, the cameras generate 29 points of reference 50 times each second on every player on the pitch. That’s certainly a lot of movement and action to keep up with, but FIFA’s software keeps track in real time.</p>
<p>Then, the software continuously analyzes these points of reference and signals when there is a possible offside infraction. At that point, the replay official in the designated offside section makes his call.</p>
<p>The entire purpose of semi-automated offside is to cut down the amount of time spent by video assistant referees looking at offside calls. Previously, any goal would get a brief, or extended, look for a possible offside. This should diminish those wait times.</p>
<p>Remember, the main part is that this is semi-automated. There is still a human element that makes the actual call. That video assistant referee then alerts the on-field referee of the offside. All this technology does is help the VAR recognize a potential offside.</p>
<h5>The future of video and technology in refereeing</h5>
<p>Christina Unkel, a soccer laws analyst at CBS Sports, has experience using technology to officiate games. Despite some <a href="https:\/\/playingfor90.com/2019/10/25/var-taking-away-excitement-football-making-honest/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fans’ objections to VAR</a> for taking away the spirit of the game, she believes it is here to stay.</p>
<p>Of course, most of people’s concern with VAR is that it is overly stringent, penalizing offenses for having a shoelace out of line when it comes to offside calls. Unkel says the Premier League and the Eredivisie are just two examples of competitions employing a ‘buffer zone’ to allow more judgment, and perhaps more leniency, on the part of the officials.</p>
<blockquote><p><span><em>“It was clear that the strict application with small pixels was harsh in practice as the attacking teams were not receiving an unfair advantage when they were offside by a toe,”</em> Unkel explained.</span></p></blockquote>
<p>Unkel mentioned the use of thicker lines on VAR decisions for offside rather than the miniscule pixel-width lines used previously. This change and the use of a margin for error, as it is called in the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/eredivisie-tv-schedule/">Eredivisie</a>, should align with the expectations of the sports passionate community.</p>
<p>That is not to say technology and VAR are leaving the sport. In many cases, it allows referees to see things like red card infringements or off-the-ball antics. This extends to offside calls. Unkel believes these will never be fully automated. Yes, technology can determine kick point and margin of error to be exact, but it is still up to the referee to determine whether or not a player interferes with the play.</p>
<p>Unkel, as a former referee, understands the difficulties of refereeing.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“Technology is finally here for the referee to evolve into a modern day referee, but refereeing is still an art, not a science, and we are here to stay.”</em></p></blockquote>
<p>FOX Sports has the rights to the Arab Cup, which includes the semi-automated offside technology. Most of the games are televised on FOX Sports 2 from now through December 18, 2021. Check the <a href="https:\/\/www.worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com">TV listings on our homepage</a> for more details.</p>


Semi-automated offside is a new technology making its 'competitive debut' during the 2021 Arab Cup. This new technology creates precision.

Semi-automated offside debuts at 2021 Arab Cup - World Soccer Talk

Semi-automated offside debuts at 2021 Arab Cup

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<p>Soccer’s rules seem fairly straightforward, right?</p>
<p>Kick the ball into the opponent’s net. Prevent the opponent from kicking the ball into your net. Do not use your hands. Throw-ins and corner-kicks when the ball goes out of bounds.</p>
<p>However, there are <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/beginners-guide-to-soccer-rules/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">those other rules</a> that can stump all fans.</p>
<p>The offside rule. The back-pass rule. Direct and indirect free-kicks. Stoppage time.</p>
<p>We have all been in conversations trying to explain all these peculiar rules to blank faces from our friends or family members. In addition to that, we debate fellow soccer fans regarding things like VAR, embellishment or handballs.</p>
<p>Since its inception in the 19th century, soccer’s rules changed periodically to create the game we love today. Here are some rules that leave us questioning certain decisions by the referee or wondering why things happen in a certain way.</p>
<h3><strong>Soccer’s rules and the penalty box</strong></h3>
<p>Not all infringements inside the penalty box result in penalty kicks.</p>
<p>For example, the back-pass rule leads to an indirect free kick inside the area. As a relatively new addition to soccer’s rules, established in 1992, the back-pass rule served as a way to eliminate time-wasting strategies. Also, the rule requires goalkeepers to be better suited with their feet than previous generations.</p>
<p>This rule prohibits the goalkeeper from handling a ball that has been deliberately kicked to him by a teammate. If the goalkeeper does handle the point, an indirect free-kick is awarded in the penalty area rather than a penalty kick.</p>
<div id="attachment_342650" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><div><figure class="image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-342650" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-342650 size-medium" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20210820_WST_342649_Penalty-kick-300x200.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=200" alt="" width="300" height="200" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/08/Penalty-kick-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/08/Penalty-kick-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/08/Penalty-kick-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/08/Penalty-kick-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/08/Penalty-kick.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-342650" class="wp-caption-text">Defenders and attackers remain outside the 18-yard box during a penalty kick.</p></div>
<p>The free-kick is taken from the spot where the ball was handled, unless the goalkeeper handled it within his/her six-yard box. In this case, the free kick is taken from the point on the six-yard line closest to the infringement. Therefore, we see two uses of the six-yard box. On one hand, it is the farthest distance allowed to place the ball on a goal kick. On the other, it is the holding point for an indirect free kick.</p>
<p>We also all notice the&nbsp;<em>D&nbsp;</em>shape on the 18-yard box. The reason for that is penalty kicks. During a spot kick, defenders and attackers (apart from the one taking the kick) should be at least 10 yards away from the penalty spot.</p>
<p>The circular outer line of the D is exactly 10 yards from the penalty kick. No player is allowed to occupy this D during a penalty kick apart from the penalty taker.</p>
<p>Soccer’s rules always get quirky as play approaches the penalty box, just as they do in the offensive half.</p>
<h3><strong>The offside rule</strong></h3>
<p>When you ask a casual fan about soccer’s rules, they often say the only one they struggle with is the offside rule.</p>
<p>At its core, the rule implies that no attacker can be behind the opposition’s defensive line at the time a pass or shot is played. Unsurprisingly, there are slight implications that occur in reality.</p>
<p>For one, the offside rule does not apply during a throw-in.&nbsp;Moreover, the offside rule actually only applies in the opposition half. If the defense finds themselves in the opposition’s half, the halfway line becomes the offside line.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/soccer-beginners-guides/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em><strong>READ MORE</strong></em></a><em>: Beginner’s guides to soccer leagues from around the world.</em></p>
<p>The rules state that for an attacker to be in an offside position, they must be closer to the opponents’ goal line than “both the ball and the <u>second-last</u> opponent” (taken from Law 11 of FIFA’s laws of the game). This means that it is not simply the last defender, as is commonly believed.</p>
<p>If the goalkeeper is caught outside his/her goal and the attacker receiving the ball just has one opposing outfield opponent ahead of him, then they are offside.</p>
<p>This is a rare occurrence, but it happened in a significant game in 2013. In a <a href="https:\/\/www.bbc.com/sport/football/22070025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UEFA Champions League quarterfinal between Málaga and Borussia Dortmund</a>, the winning goal should not have counted. Felipe Santana’s stoppage-time winner should have been ruled offside. Santana found himself past the goalie with just one Málaga defender in front of him as he bundled the ball in.</p>
<p>Current modifications like VAR would prevent something like that in the modern game. However, soccer’s rules benefitted Dortmund that day, helping them reach the Champions League Final.</p>


Soccer is, at its core, a simple game. However, soccer's rules can be confusing due to the intracacies and picky nature that many of the rules get into.

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