Celtic now have their first real look at FIFA’s offside trial in action.
The discussion around Arsene Wenger’s proposed offside change has been building for months, with FIFA now testing the rule in a live competition environment.
From a Celtic perspective, the relevance has been clear given how the rule could reshape attacking play and decision-making at the highest level.
The trial has now moved beyond theory and produced its first example of how goals can be scored under the new offside rule.
First ever goal from Wenger’s ‘Daylight’ rule being trialled in the Canadian Premier League. Interesting one. Video courtesy of OneSoccer/Canadian Premier League. pic.twitter.com/MeXNft04JJ
— Simon Evans (@sgevans) April 18, 2026
As FIFA prepare to introduce two big VAR rule changes, should Scotland still continue with the controversial technology?
Celtic were right to take FIFA’s offside trial seriously
The trial launched in the Canadian Premier League has now produced its first outcome.
A first goal under the new rule has been scored, and it is one that would not have stood under the current offside interpretation.
Alejandro Diaz scored in a situation where his positioning would previously have been judged offside.
The rule itself is clear, with players deemed only offside if their entire body is beyond the defender, marking a shift from the current law.
Celtic must now recognise what this actually means
The intention behind the change is clear, as it has been designed to favour attacking play and remove marginal calls.
This is already influencing decisions in competitive matches.
For Celtic, that matters because it shows the direction the game is moving in.
The first goal under the daylight rule is clear evidence of how this change will affect decisions.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
