In a recent match, a controversial decision by assistant referee Sian Massey-Ellis ignited a debate over the current offside laws in football. The incident occurred during a game where Anthony Elanga was permitted to advance on goal despite being clearly offside, leading to an injury to player TAWoniyi. The situation, which unfolded in December 2023, has drawn criticism from various players and commentators, questioning the clarity and efficacy of the rules.
Instead of raising her flag, Massey-Ellis left it down due to an IFAB directive. This new directive gives officials cover to swallow their flags on obvious attacking situations. According to the directive, this is only permissible when a player is about to score a goal or has a clear run into the opponent’s penalty area. As many, including Ola Aina, have been making the case, this wide discretion can and has resulted in harmful effects to the players and teams’ benefit.
Aina expressed his frustration with the offside law during an interview with the Daily Mail, stating, “Anthony [Elanga] was miles offside. The whole world could see and so could I from where I was.” It’s a feeling echoed by many other players. They advocate for more transparent communication and better decision-making from officials to avoid people getting injured.
The incident involving Elanga took place when Massey-Ellis delayed raising her flag, allowing him to continue his run towards goal. This call had a huge effect on the match, as Facundo Buonanotte ended up going through the goalpost after being flattened by the defender during the build-up. Aina noted, “Having to see it out and then just see this happen. None of this would have happened to T [Awoniyi] if the flag had just gone up.”
Even Pep Guardiola, manager of Manchester City, took to the media to express his frustration with the way offside has been enforced. After a similarly harsh punishment on Nicolas Jackson’s challenge the season’s opening weekend, Pep Guardiola had words to say directly to the fourth official. He highlighted that postponing decisions may result in grievous outcomes. “I don’t understand. It’s so clear, the offside, and now he is injured,” Guardiola remarked. And then everybody agrees with you, ‘you’re right Pep, you’re right…’ But by that time it’s too late.
The controversy over offside calls this World Cup has led to scrutiny of past events. On a sequence that would ultimately end in an offside call, John Stones got hurt making a play. This recent incident has exacerbated concerns. Calls involving dangerous helmet-to-helmet hits are being delayed. Commentator Stephen Warnock urged for a change in approach, stating, “Surely it has to be common sense. Common sense has to kick into gear at some point.”
Even as opposition grows against the present offside rules, a series of critical questions arise. How do land use officials make sense of these guidelines in real time, on the ground situations? The new directive tells referees to hold off raising their flag unless they are 100% sure a player is offside. This has been a source of frustration for players and managers alike. They advocate for some decisions to be obvious enough that there need be no bluff even considered.
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