Offside is one of football's most debated rules. We explain it simply: when a player is offside and when it isn't called.
A player is in an offside position if he is nearer to the opponent's goal than both the ball and the second-to-last defender at the moment the ball is played to him by a teammate. The rule prevents "goal-hanging" and keeps play fair.
The key condition
What matters is the moment the ball is passed, not when it's received. If an attacker starts from a legal position and then beats the defenders with his pace after the pass, he isn't offside. That's why we see slow-motion replays to pinpoint his position.
When is offside not called?
There's no offside in three cases: receiving the ball from a throw-in, a corner kick, or a goal kick. Nor is it called if the player is in his own half or not involved in play.
Active offside
Simply standing in an offside position isn't an offence; it's only called if the player gets involved in play (touches the ball, obstructs a defender, or gains an advantage from his position). That's what makes the call subjective at times.
Why does VAR intervene here often?
Because centimetres decide goals, so precise lines are drawn to check. Follow analysis of controversial offside calls on Shahid Live.
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