The Canadian Premier League will become the first professional competition to pilot a revised offside rule proposed by Arsène Wenger during the 2026 season.
The league confirmed in a statement on Tuesday that the alternative interpretation, widely referred to as the “daylight” rule, is designed to encourage attacking football and enhance the flow of matches.
Under the proposed change, an attacking player will only be ruled offside if there is a visible gap, or “daylight”, between the attacker and the defender. This means a player will remain onside if any part of their body that can legally score is level with or behind the second-to-last defender.
“This is an important pilot,” Wenger said.
“By testing this new interpretation in a professional competition, we can better understand its impact, including in terms of improving clarity and the flow of the game and promoting attacking play.”
The CPL said the trial will be conducted in collaboration with FIFA, which will oversee research and evaluation, while working with Canada Soccer to prepare officials, players and clubs.
“This is about positioning the Canadian Premier League at the forefront of innovation and contributing meaningfully to the global evolution of the game,” said James Johnson.
In addition to the offside experiment, the league will introduce FIFA-designed and International Football Association Board-approved measures, including Football Video Support, aimed at reducing time-wasting and improving match efficiency.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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