Offside

I thought a player could be stood in an offside position when the ball is played but not be flagged offside until he attempts to go for or play the ball? Anybody know the exact rule?

 

It's to do with being in active play.

What you describe is correct.

If he makes no attempt for the ball he's not offside unless deemed to be in a position which interferes with the passage of play in some way. Ie putting the keeper off.

 

This was related to the goal against Man Utd tonight. Player in offside position and trying to run away from the ball which hits him on the back and goes in goal. Goal stood which I thought was correct decision under current rules but professional panel thought different.

 

If the ball hits him how can he not be in active play?

 

Well. He didn't intentionally play the ball. But was interfering in active play.

I didn't see it but if what you describe is how it happened and he touched it. It should be offside

 

Turns out it was more complicated than that. Blind had slid out of play behind the goal line and apparently is deemed to be still in play therefore playing the attacker onside. My reason for thinking it was a goal anyway was that it probably would have gone in without hitting him and therefore would be credited to the shooter which it eventually was. I have seen several goals given where an offside player was close enough to have got a touch but didn't.

 

Another thing to note. While most people know you can't be offside from a throw in, many people don't know you also can't be offside from a goal kick.

 

The full rules are here: http://www.thefa.com/football-rules-governance/lawsandrules/laws/football-11-11/law-11---offside

To support what I just said:

There's a lengthy section on when a player is deemed to be involved in active play.