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Making football work in the age of VAR Making football work in the age of VAR
(2 days later)
Rather than tweak the offside rule, as discussed in an article by Max Rushden, why not scrap offside altogether, writes Paul Gregson. Plus, a letter by Joe McNameeRather than tweak the offside rule, as discussed in an article by Max Rushden, why not scrap offside altogether, writes Paul Gregson. Plus, a letter by Joe McNamee
A simple solution to the points raised by Max Rushden (Wenger wants to fix VAR offsides but broken handball rule is the real problem, 8 May) would be to abolish offside altogether. It adds absolutely nothing to the sport, and only creates frustrations and endless video assistant referee (VAR) delays. While on the subject of law changes in professional football, why stop the match to make a substitution (with the exception of goalkeepers)? There is a fourth official controlling the change who can ensure that the substitute does not enter the field of play until the player being replaced has left it. Both these changes would improve the sport no end.Paul GregsonBarcelona, SpainA simple solution to the points raised by Max Rushden (Wenger wants to fix VAR offsides but broken handball rule is the real problem, 8 May) would be to abolish offside altogether. It adds absolutely nothing to the sport, and only creates frustrations and endless video assistant referee (VAR) delays. While on the subject of law changes in professional football, why stop the match to make a substitution (with the exception of goalkeepers)? There is a fourth official controlling the change who can ensure that the substitute does not enter the field of play until the player being replaced has left it. Both these changes would improve the sport no end.Paul GregsonBarcelona, Spain
In race walking, the rule for referees is that the infringement has to be visible to the human eye. Instead of torturing ourselves endlessly with the expensive tech solutionism of VAR, we rely instead on human sight and common sense.Joe McNameeBrussels, Belgium In race walking, the rule for referees is that the infringement has to be visible to the human eye. What if, instead of torturing ourselves endlessly with the expensive tech solutionism of VAR, we rely instead on human sight and common sense?Joe McNameeBrussels, Belgium
The second letter above was amended on 18 May 2025. An earlier version omitted “What if” and a question mark in the final sentence.