abseits

Abseits, known in English as offside, is a rule in association football that restricts attackers from receiving the ball while they are ahead of the ball and the second-last defender toward the opponent’s goal. The decision is based on the positions of the ball and players at the moment the ball is played.

A player is in an offside position if, at the moment the ball is played by a teammate, they are in the opponent's half and closer to the opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent. They are not offside if they are level with those players or behind the ball. There are exceptions: a ball played from a goal kick, corner kick, or throw-in cannot create an offside.

Offside is judged at the moment the ball is played and applies only if the player is actively involved in play or interferes with an opponent by playing the ball, challenging for it, or gaining an advantage. The decision is made by the referee and assistant referees, and increasingly by the video assistant referee (VAR) in many competitions.

When offside is called, play is stopped and an indirect free kick is awarded to the defending team from the place of the offense.

Purpose and impact: The offside rule prevents goal-hanging, encourages team buildup, and shapes tactics such as the offside trap, where defenders coordinate to catch attackers in advanced positions ahead of the ball.

History and technology: The offside rule was introduced in football in the 19th century and has evolved through revisions. With modern VAR usage, offside decisions are frequently reviewed to ensure correct timing and positioning.