UEFA defends a reformulation of the offside rule after the goal of the French victory in League of Nations final, marked by Kylian Mbappé, on Sunday, in front of the Spain. According to the entity, the goal was “correctly” confirmed by the referee, but contrary to “the spirit of the game”.
Much criticized in Spain, the English referee Anthony Taylor “made a correct decision, based on the existing rule and on its official interpretation”, declared Roberto Rosetti, refereeing director of the entity that commands football in Europe, this Friday.
According to Rosetti, when trying to intercept French full-back Théo Hernández’s pass in the 80th minute, Spanish defender Eric García put Kylian Mbappé on the line, as he “intervened by touching the ball”.
“However, this case tells us that the current interpretation of the rule seems to conflict with the spirit of the rule itself, which is to prevent any player from taking advantage of their offside position,” added the former Italian referee.
For him, “Uefa’s position is that it is possible to improve the formulation” of the rule issued by the International Board (Ifab), the body that governs the rules of football, “to act in accordance with the objective of the game rules and the spirit of match”.
The Italian stated that he “has already made contact” with FIFA and Ifab. In addition, “will discuss solutions at the next meeting of the technical consulting group” of the international board, scheduled for October 27th.
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