The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) is calling for urgent changes to the offside rule after Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi suffered a severe injury during a Premier League match, reigniting concerns over delayed officiating.
- Awoniyi was placed in an induced coma following emergency surgery after crashing into the post against Leicester City.
- His injury occurred because the assistant referee delayed raising the offside flag under the current VAR protocol.
- The PFA plans to engage IFAB and PGMOL to advocate for a rule change that prioritises player safety.
“This is not just about VAR anymore—players’ lives are at stake,” said Chinedu Okoro, a passionate Nigerian football fan. Dr. Temi Lawal, a Lagos-based sports physician, added, “Delayed decisions can expose players to unnecessary harm. Safety must come first before technology.”
Can football strike a better balance between technology and player welfare? With calls growing louder, stakeholders must weigh precision against protection on the pitch.
