Euro 2024: Why Arsene Wenger Wanted Offside Rules Changed After Denmark Controversy

• Euro 2024 provided another contentious VAR call after Denmark's goal was disallowed for a fractional offside by Thomas Delaney
• Michael Oliver disallowed Joachim Andersen's goal after semi-automated offside technology showed that Delaney's toenail was offside
• The decision has evoked memories of whether Arsene Wenger's proposal to change the offside rules might be a solution after all

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) had largely gone about its business at Euro 2024 silently, save for one call in the Netherlands vs France Group D game.

The call at that time saw Anthony Taylor disallow Xavi Simons' goal for interference by Denzel Dumfries, who was in an offside position.

Germany's Round of 16 clash against Denmark had major talking points - from the adverse weather conditions to Michael Oliver's decisions.

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Denmark went from a state of euphoria to despondency within seconds after Joachim Andersen's goal was chalked out for offside in the build-up. The Crystal Palace defender then gave away a penalty on the other end, which Kai Havertz converted to give the hosts the lead.

Why Denmark's goal vs Germany was disallowed

Andersen's half-volley was ruled out after Thomas Delaney made an attempt to play the ball while in an offside position. The semi-automated VAR offside technology images showed that the Sevilla man's toenail was ahead of the last defender.

Now, while the interpretation and application of the rules might have been correct, the Danish contingent felt hardly done by the highest of margins in a game where so much was at stake.

"I have the photo here; it was one centimetre. In terms of statistics and data, it doesn’t make sense. This is not how we are supposed to be using VAR. It’s one centimetre," said Denmark's coach Kasper Hjulmand, as quoted by the Guardian.

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The incident revived questions as to whether Arsene Wenger was onto something when he proposed a radical change to the offside rules. The former Arsenal boss, who now works as FIFA's chief of global football development, wanted the whole rule overhauled.

Offside rule in football explained

The current IFAB rules dictate that a player would be offside if any part of the head, body or feet is nearer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent in the half of the opponent.

The rule only considers part of the body a player can use to score; thus, hands and arms aren't taken into consideration.

This has seen very tight calls over the years. Official VAR images show that only Delaney's toenail was ahead.

What changes did Arsene Wenger want made to the offside rule?

Wenger wanted the system overhauled so that a player would be onside if any part of their body they can score with is level with the last defender. The new 'Wenger rule', if passed, would mean that an attacker and a defender would have to be on completely different lines for the former to be offside.

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While the difference might appear minimal in writing, the repercussions on the pitch would be huge. All an attacker would be required to do is to keep his leg in line with the defender when the ball is played. It could also affect teams that like to play with a high line, as the VAR won't be relied on to make calls on the marginal cases anymore.

The plan was widely ridiculed by leading pundits, but FIFA has pressed on with trials to obtain feedback. Trials have already been held in age-group competitions in Italy, the Netherlands, and Sweden.

Why Germany vs Denmark was suspended

In the same, Sports Brief explained why Germany vs Denmark was briefly suspended. The Round of 16 clash was halted in the 36th minute after fiery lightning struck close to the stadium in Dortmund.

The incident elected sad memories of how a Danish player, Jonathan Fichter, lost his leg to lightning in 2009.

Referee Michael Oliver asked the players back to the dressing rooms until the situation had subsided.