A player is in an offside position when part of the head, body or feet is nearer the goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent, while in the opponents’ half. Hands and arms are excluded from the calculation.
Position alone is not an offence. The player must become involved by touching the ball, challenging an opponent or gaining an advantage from the position. That distinction allows teams to use decoy runs, hold-up movements and late arrivals from midfield.
VAR reviews close offside decisions, particularly when a goal has been scored or ruled out. Video officials can examine the moment the ball was played and compare the attacker’s position with the relevant defensive line.
The system is strongest when the camera angle clearly captures both the passer and the runner. It is less satisfying when the available view is obstructed or the margin is extremely small. Supporters may see a negligible advantage, but the law still creates a defined line that officials must apply consistently.
VAR has therefore increased precision without removing controversy. A goal can be disallowed after the final touch even when the attacking move looked perfectly timed in real time.
Offside does not apply when a player receives the ball directly from a throw-in, corner kick or goal kick. When offside is given, the defending team receives an indirect free-kick.
The referee remains responsible for the final decision. VAR can identify a possible error or recommend a review, but it does not replace the on-field official’s authority.
As the next World Cup unfolds, coaches will continue testing how far they can push the defensive line-and attackers will keep searching for the split-second that beats it.