Fact Check: "If a person in offside hisboot touches the ball but he avoided the play will it consider as offside in football"
What We Know
The offside rule in football, codified in Law 11 of the Laws of the Game, states that a player is in an offside position if any part of their head, body, or feet is in the opponent's half of the pitch and closer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent (usually the last outfield player) at the moment the ball is played by a teammate (source-1). However, being in an offside position is not an offence in itself. A player is only penalized for offside if they become involved in active play, which includes receiving the ball, interfering with an opponent, or gaining an advantage from their position (source-2).
The criteria for determining whether a player is involved in active play are clearly defined. A player who touches the ball while in an offside position is considered to be involved in active play, unless they avoid playing the ball in a manner that does not interfere with the game (source-4). The law specifies that if a player in an offside position touches the ball but does not interfere with play or an opponent, they may not necessarily be penalized, but the specifics depend on the referee's interpretation of the situation (source-3).
Analysis
The claim that a player in an offside position who touches the ball but avoids playing it is considered offside is misleading. According to the laws of the game, a player can only be penalized for an offside offence if they are deemed to be involved in active play. This means that merely touching the ball does not automatically result in an offside offence unless it is determined that the player has interfered with play or an opponent (source-4).
The source from the FA clarifies that a player in an offside position is only penalized if they interfere with play by playing or touching the ball passed or touched by a teammate, or by obstructing an opponent's ability to play the ball (source-2). Therefore, if a player touches the ball but does not interfere with play or an opponent, they may not be penalized for offside.
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are authoritative texts from FIFA and the FA, which govern the rules of football globally. The interpretation of the offside rule has been clarified multiple times to ensure consistency in officiating, making the information credible and relevant to the claim being analyzed.
Conclusion
Verdict: False. The claim that a player in an offside position who touches the ball but avoids playing it is considered offside is incorrect. A player is only penalized for offside if they are involved in active play, which includes receiving the ball or interfering with an opponent. Simply touching the ball does not constitute an offence if it does not lead to interference with play.
