Fact Check: In European football,If the player didn't intentionally play the ball (even if it touched their boots slightly) and didn't interfere with an opponent, then they would not be penalized for offside. The goal should still count as long as the player did not actively participate in the play.

Fact Check: "In European football, if the player didn't intentionally play the ball (even if it touched their boots slightly) and didn't interfere with an opponent, then they would not be penalized for offside. The goal should still count as long as the player did not actively participate in the play."

What We Know

The offside rule in association 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 body (excluding arms and hands) is nearer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent when the ball is played by a teammate (Offside (association football)). However, merely being in an offside position is not an offence in itself. An offside offence occurs only if the player becomes involved in active play, interferes with an opponent, or gains an advantage from their position (Law 11 - Offside - The FA).

If a player does not intentionally play the ball and does not interfere with an opponent, they may not be penalized for offside. This means that if the ball merely touches their boot without their intention to play it, and they do not affect the play or the opponent, the goal can still count (Offside Rule in Soccer Explained).

Analysis

The claim presents a nuanced interpretation of the offside rule. It is accurate in stating that if a player does not intentionally play the ball and does not interfere with an opponent, they would not be penalized for offside. This aligns with the current understanding of the offside law, which emphasizes the need for a player to be actively involved in play for an offside offence to be called (Offside (association football), Fact Check: In European football).

However, the wording of the claim could lead to misunderstandings. The phrase "did not actively participate in the play" can be ambiguous. While it is true that a goal can stand if the player did not interfere with play, the interpretation of "active participation" can vary based on the referee's judgment. For instance, if the player is deemed to have gained an advantage from their position, even without intentionally playing the ball, they could still be penalized (Interfering with Play or An Opponent).

The sources used in this analysis are credible, with the offside rule being a well-documented aspect of football regulations (Law 11 - Offside - The FA, Offside Rule in Soccer Explained). However, the interpretation of specific scenarios can vary, and the application of the rule often depends on the context of the play and the referee's discretion.

Conclusion

The verdict for the claim is Partially True. While it correctly outlines that a player who does not intentionally play the ball and does not interfere with an opponent may not be penalized for offside, the nuances of "active participation" and the referee's discretion can complicate this understanding. Therefore, while the claim holds some truth, it lacks the necessary detail to fully encapsulate the complexities of the offside rule.

Sources

1. Europe - Wikipedia
2. Offside (association football)
3. Law 11 - Offside - The FA
4. Offside Rule in Soccer Explained: Complete Guide
5. Fact Check: In European football, If the player didn't intentionally ...
6. Your gateway to the EU, News, Highlights | European Union
7. Europe | History, Countries, Map, & Facts | Britannica
8. Interfering with Play or An Opponent - Ask A Soccer Referee