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First 'daylight' offside goal scored in Canada
TL;DR
Alejandro Diaz scored the first goal under the experimental 'daylight' offside rule in Canada during a 2-2 draw with Halifax Wanderers. This rule aims to reduce marginal offside decisions and promote attacking play.
Key points
- First goal scored under the daylight offside rule in Canada
- Alejandro Diaz scored during a 2-2 draw with Halifax Wanderers
- The rule aims to reduce marginal offside decisions
- Trial conducted by CPL in cooperation with Fifa
- Concept advocated by Arsene Wenger
Mentioned in this story
Alejandro DiazFifa
Pacific FCHalifax WanderersCanadian Premier League
The first goal allowed under the experimental "daylight" offside rule was scored in Canada on Saturday, with Pacific FC forward Alejandro Diaz on target in a 2-2 draw with Halifax Wanderers.
The strike would have been ruled out elsewhere under the standard International Football Association Board (Ifab) Laws of the Game, but stood under the Canadian Premier League's ongoing trial conducted in cooperation with Fifa.
The daylight interpretation of offside means there should be a complete gap between the attacker and the second-to-last opposition player - effectively the last defender, given the goalkeeper's usual positioning.
The CPL is testing the rule this season as part of efforts to reduce marginal offside decisions and encourage attacking play.
The concept, long advocated by former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger in his role as Fifa's head of global football development, is being assessed in Canada as a potential change to the offside law.
But critics have suggested that daylight offside will give too much advantage to the attacking team.
The CPL - which does not have video assistant referees (VAR) - is the first top-flight league to try out this new offside rule, with low-level trials held in Italy's Under-18 Championship in 2023 and in youth competitions in the Netherlands.
Results of the trials will be presented to Ifab at the end of year. If successful, there is the potential for the law to change across the world for the 2027-28 European season.
Q&A
What is the 'daylight' offside rule in soccer?
The 'daylight' offside rule requires a complete gap between the attacker and the second-to-last defender, allowing for more attacking plays.
Who scored the first goal under the daylight offside rule in Canada?
Alejandro Diaz of Pacific FC scored the first goal allowed under the daylight offside rule.
Why is the Canadian Premier League testing the daylight offside rule?
The CPL is testing the daylight offside rule to reduce marginal offside decisions and encourage more attacking play.
