Offside law changed after Swedish third-tier club’s pressure pays off

TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:

"Swedish Club Torns IF Influences Change in Offside Law"

Offside law changed after Swedish third-tier club’s pressure pays off analysis cover image The Guardian 7.7
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Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/jun/12/offside-law-changed-after-swedish-third-tier-clubs-pressure-pays-off
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AI Analysis Average Score: 7.7
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TruthLens AI Summary

A notable change in football's offside law has been prompted by Torns IF, a third-tier Swedish football club, which raised concerns about a potential loophole concerning the offside rule. The International Football Association Board (IFAB), the governing body responsible for the laws of the game, has amended the wording of the offside law to clarify when an offside assessment should be made. This adjustment followed Torns IF's persistent inquiries regarding the legality of a technique known as the 'scoop pass,' where players balance the ball on their foot to potentially evade offside rulings. Initially, IFAB dismissed Torns' query, but the club's determination ultimately led to a review of the law, resulting in a formal clarification that acknowledges the unique circumstances associated with specific types of passes, particularly those executed by goalkeepers.

The revised rule will take effect in the 2025-26 season and specifies that the timing of an offside assessment will differ based on the type of pass. For instance, when a goalkeeper throws the ball upfield, the offside will be judged at the last point of contact before the release. Conversely, in standard play, the determination will be based on the first point of contact with the ball. Torns IF's technical director, Tim Neilsen, expressed satisfaction at the club's contribution to the rules of the game, noting the importance of clarity in the application of the offside law, especially in the context of modern technology such as VAR. Neilsen also questioned why the rule change was limited to goalkeepers and not extended to other types of passes, suggesting that the ongoing dialogue with IFAB may continue as the football community adapts to these legal nuances in the sport.

TruthLens AI Analysis

The article explores an interesting development in football governance, highlighting how a lower-tier Swedish club managed to prompt a change in the offside law. This situation illustrates the dynamics between grassroots football and formal regulatory bodies, shedding light on the influence smaller entities can exert on larger institutions.

Regulatory Influence of Grassroots Football

The persistent inquiries by Torns IF into a perceived loophole in the offside law represent a rare instance where a small club has successfully engaged with a governing body, prompting a change in the rules. This act of "gentle persistence" not only showcases the club's initiative but also reflects a growing trend where smaller clubs leverage their unique situations to influence larger football regulations. The response from the International Football Association Board (Ifab) indicates a willingness to adapt and clarify rules in light of evolving playing styles, showing that even the smallest voices can lead to significant changes in sports governance.

Public Perception and Community Engagement

The article may aim to foster a sense of empowerment within local football communities, encouraging them to engage with the regulations that govern their sport. By emphasizing Torns IF's triumph, it can inspire other clubs to voice their concerns and suggestions, potentially leading to further engagement with the sport's governing bodies. This narrative can strengthen community ties and enhance the identity of grassroots clubs, positioning them as active participants in shaping the game rather than passive observers.

Potential Omissions and Broader Context

While the article focuses on the specific case of Torns IF, it might not address the broader implications of such regulatory changes. For instance, the discussion could extend to the potential impact on the game itself, such as how the clarification of passing rules might influence playing strategies at various levels. Additionally, there may be underlying discussions about more significant issues within the sport, such as financial disparities between leagues or the governance of football as a whole, which could be overshadowed by this relatively light-hearted story.

Reliability and Manipulative Aspects

The article appears to be reliable, as it cites official communications and acknowledges the perspectives of both Torns IF and Ifab. However, the framing of the narrative leans towards a celebratory tone, which could be seen as attempting to create a feel-good story at the expense of exploring more complex issues within football governance. While there is no overt manipulation, the focus on this single instance may distract from ongoing challenges facing the sport, suggesting a selective representation of events.

Impact on Economic and Political Scenarios

In the immediate context, this news may not have a direct impact on the economy or politics. However, it could influence grassroots football funding or sponsorship opportunities as organizations look to align with positive narratives. Furthermore, the story could resonate within sports communities, sparking discussions about the importance of grassroots engagement in governance, which might lead to broader advocacy for change in other areas of football regulation.

Support from Specific Communities

This narrative is likely to garner support from local football enthusiasts, amateur players, and clubs that often feel overlooked in the broader football ecosystem. It appeals to those advocating for a more inclusive approach to football governance, emphasizing that every stakeholder, no matter how small, has a voice.

In conclusion, while the article provides an interesting look at a recent change in football law, it serves as a reminder of the potential for grassroots influence within larger systems. The focus on Torns IF's success can inspire greater community engagement in sports governance, although it might also divert attention from more pressing issues within the football world.

Unanalyzed Article Content

Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/jun/12/offside-law-changed-after-swedish-third-tier-clubs-pressure-pays-off

A Swedish third-tier side have changed the laws of football after their “gentle persistence” in exploring an offside loophole forced officials to act.

Football’s law-making body, the International Football Association Board, hasamended the text of the offside lawto clarify at which point an offside assessment should be made. The change comes after interventions from Torns IF, a club from the small town of Stångby near Malmö, who wondered whether a player could get around the offside law by keeping the ball balanced in the crook of their foot.

A video showing Torns trying to put their “scoop pass” trick into practice went viral in 2023 and provoked lengthy correspondence between Torns and Ifab. At first Ifab sought to dismiss the query but Torns’ persistence led the body to acknowledge that it was “amusing” and consent to reviewing the wording of the law.

Writing to Torns, the technical director of the Ifab and former Premier League referee, David Elleray, thanked the club “for your part in this clarification” and “for your gentle persistence in this matter”.

Torns’ Tim Neilsen, said it felt “absolutely fantastic to have contributed to the rules of the beautiful game”, adding: “Ifab required some convincing, but we got there in the end.”

The scoop pass has not been outlawed but a clarification has been made to a footnote of the offside law for 2025-26 and relates to one example of a “delayed” pass: when a goalkeeper throws the ball upfield with a view to releasing a forward behind the opponents’ defence. An offside assessment will be made at the “last point of contact” before the keeper releases the ball. In all other passing instances, a judgment is made related to “the first point of contact”.

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Ifab argued that a scoop pass was against the spirit of the laws. “I’m very curious why they have only changed the rule for throws by the keeper, and not for other types of passes, such as scoop and swivel passes,” Neilsen told the Guardian. He believes the lack of clarity would not exist were it not for VAR and the need to establish a precise moment at which to adjudge offside. Perhaps further correspondence will follow yet.

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Source: The Guardian