Question Number: 27200

Law 11 - Offside 2/24/2013

RE: Adult

Zluva of C.Budejovice, Czech Republic asks...

Hello,my question is: Player A passes the ball, Player B is in an offside position, but he is not active. Defender takes the ball. The ball is under his control. Player B attacks this defender. Is it offside? Is different, when the attack is immediate or when the attack is a few seconds later? When the player B can join the game? Thank you very much!

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

In general, once the opponents control the ball, offside ends. The exception is when the offside positioned player (B in this instance) is so close he can immediately capitalize on his offside position and interfere with play or the opponent. This almost never happens and likely wouldn't be called but it is a part of the Laws as currently understood.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Zluva
Once the defenders gain control and possession of the ball offside consideration ends for the attacking team and offside then switches to the team in possession. However if the player in an offside position immediately pressurises the ball then that player can be still called offside if he interferes with play
Generally with higher skill levels the control and possession of the ball does not allow the opponents to influence play and it is rarely a consideration. What I see at lower levels is say poor touches / control by defenders and it allows the player in an offside position to immediately challenge for the ball. That will be called offside. In addition once a controlled pass has been made, the player in an offside position would normally be allowed to participate fully in play.