Offside and VAR
Being in an offside position is not an offence: it is only penalised if the player becomes involved in play. And VAR can only correct four kinds of decision.
Key points
- Being in an offside position is not an offence: it is only penalised if the player becomes involved in play.
- The reference points are the second-last opponent (the goalkeeper is usually the last) and the ball.
- There is no offside from a throw-in, goal kick or corner kick received directly.
- VAR can only intervene on goals, penalties, direct red cards and mistaken identity.
When a player is in an offside position
Under IFAB Law 11, a player is in an offside position if any part of the head, body or feet is in the opponents' half and nearer to the goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent. Hands and arms do not count, including the goalkeeper's.
The line is set by the second-last opponent
Offside position
The attacker is nearer the goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent.
Onside
Level with the second-last opponent is not offside.
A player is not offside when level with the second-last opponent or with the ball, or when in their own half.
When it is penalised
Position alone is not punished. The referee only penalises the player if, at the moment a team-mate plays or touches the ball, they become involved in active play:
- Interfering with play: playing or touching the ball.
- Interfering with an opponent: preventing them from playing the ball, for example by blocking the goalkeeper's line of vision, or challenging for it.
- Gaining an advantage: playing a ball that rebounds off the post, the crossbar or an opponent, or comes from a save.
If the ball comes from a deliberate play by a defender (not a deflection or a save), there is no offence. The sanction is an indirect free kick from where the offence happened.
Restarts that do not count
There is no offside offence if the player receives the ball directly from a throw-in, a goal kick or a corner kick.
What VAR can review
The video assistant referee has been used in La Liga since the 2018-19 season. Its principle is "minimum interference, maximum benefit": it only steps in for a clear and obvious error or a serious missed incident, and only in four situations:
- GoalsWhether there was offside, a foul or handball in the build-up.
- PenaltiesPenalties wrongly given or not given.
- Direct red cardsStraight red cards, not second yellows.
- Mistaken identityWhen the referee cautions or sends off the wrong player.
The final decision always rests with the on-field referee, who can change it on the VAR's advice or review the footage on the pitchside monitor. For offside, which is a matter of fact, the video room's check is enough.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you be offside from a throw-in?
No. Nor from a goal kick or a corner kick, if the player receives the ball directly.
Does the arm count for offside?
No: the head, body and feet count, but not the hands and arms.
Since when has La Liga used VAR?
Since the 2018-19 season.